Why Friend codes?

So, I know Nintendo is new to the online thing, but why do we need Codes? It defeats the whole purpose of online play, which is the accesibility to a large user base.

Does anyone know if Friend Codes will be required for all games?

1st Question: It's safe and Free.

(But really bothersome for those who play online often)

2nd question: Yes, or most likely.

You know I've been thinking about this a lot lately. Really the friend code thing isn't as big of a deal as most of us make it out to be. Having a friend code and giving it buddies and random cool people you meet is THE EXACT SAME idea as havinga gamer tag and sharing. It is a number you have to instead of your name but still it's the same principal.

Now here's the important thing. In order to really help the FC thing feel like Xbox live and gamer tags, as well as keep that sense of community that helps Live be so great is: THE ABILITY TO EXCHANGE FRIEND CODES WITH THE PEOPLE YOU MEET WHILE PLAYING RANDOM ONLINE GAMES. Right? Think about it. It'll be no different than other online services. It'll keep it a fun place to meet and play new peeps. Metroid Prime Hunters had a similar concept by keeping people you like as a remembered opponent.Then we could all just embrace the Friend code.