I can see where you’re coming from, but it still feels odd to me that it goes (so far, at least) unaddressed in the narrative. Seems like a pretty important thing to discuss, and kind of an indictment of the MC if they don’t mention to their friends that their relationship is extremely questionable because there is actual material utility in befriending someone, even if you, as the player, dislike them.

Mind you I haven’t played any other Persona games, so maybe this gets addressed in other places and you’re expected to be familiar. I’m just reminded of