Yeah... I'm in the party-mood, let's have a cyberparty, he he he....
Friends don't disappear if you have problems. Even if they don't understand, at least they try to. Those are real friends. The ones that don't visit anymore, weren't real friends to begin with imho.
And indeed, internet makes your world larger. I too have met some wonderful people on i-net and managed to build friendships. They're different from RL-friendships, but not inferiour. Just as important, only the communication-medium is different. That's the only difference.
I'm glad people responded to your post, on the forum or through PM. You are a very well respected person on this forum, and I think it's good for you to hear people say that.
Take care now. (and don't get drunk partying tomorrow)