It depends what you're after in this game, really.

If you're looking to do end game Savage raids then you would probably ought to look for at least a static to join or form.

Since lore capping and casual runs on Normal raids can be done easily via DF and on your own leisure, it would be great to have some friends to not only speed up que times but also add in some social aspect into the game to keep you from getting even more bored from having no one to talk to.

As for crafting and gathering stuff, I think having friends is amazing and really beneficial. Sometimes it's really great how you guys can help one another whether or not if its from one crafter to another crafter or a non-crafter helping out a crafter gathering certain mats from EX primals/raid drops and vice versa as the crafter helps the non-crafter to craft the mats out.

It can net you not only a number friends but if you're lucky, someone who is willing to help you craft stuff for you too (provided you at least try your best in gathering the mats and not ask for it for free to be handed over to you on a silver platter)

All of this is naught but an opinion of mine.