I got to thinking about those individual Friend Codes

The DS's excuse for friend codes had to do with imbedded memory.

 We all know the Wii doesn't, but it got me thinking: developers, if they coordinated, could do away with the friend code system entirely if they wanted to.  Here's how it would work in theory:

 Given that each game's code is specific to that game, the code would probably be stored in the game's save file.  If said file is connected to the internet through WC24 (which would make sense if you're playing online), then developers could create a standard for a friend code database.

Have a friend that you played online with Splinter Cell that you want to play with in Rainbow Six?  That friend's data, including the location of his Wii console through WC24, for Splinter Cell would be stored in your personal friends database.  If you wanted to add him to your buddy list automatically, the Rainbow Six friends list would message your friend's Wii, check its system memory for a friendcode database, check to see if your friend has Rainbow Six, and finally extract the friend code and automatically add it, and your buddy, to the list.

It's very possible, I think, but I'm also making assumptions on the nature of Nintendo's friend code system.  Either way, it's just wishful thinking, as it would take a fairly large developer effort to make a standard database (Nintendo should've provided one, aka allowed access to the built-in friend codes), but hey, here's hoping.

     Your idea works except for one teeny tiny thing, Nintendo will not allow it.  The company has specifically said that their online strategy will be different from their competitors.  Because Microsoft has a system like that, it has been inherently rejected for the Wii.  Nintendo is not against third party charging for online (since they can't legally tell them not to) but is strictly against information being spread from game to game without going through Nintendo first.

     On the other hand, i do figure that this "matchmaking service" gamespy has brought up will work to cater towards people you already have as friends.  But I feel it will be more of an automated Wiimail to people on your friends list whenever you get a new online friend code than a perfectly clean transaction.  Gotta love user privacy! 

i still dont understand why nintendo refused to use universal console friend codes....

they want a simple user friendly approachable interfase and experience and game specific friend codes are the opposite of that.

friend codes dont offer a lot of protection from child predators as you would think. some games for example dont allow anay voice chat or communication anyways.. so how are you being protected if there is no communication....???

Nintendo should have gone with universal friend codes to enable voice chat, etc.