It's a degree of context. In absolute context, yes, i have lived 31 years, and never found friends who share my most passionate interests in the real world, try as i might. Well, except once, but that's another tale. Perhaps in that i am unlucky, but that absolute degree is certainly helpful when you're talking about the whole run being dead should anyone leave or be unavailable.
In terms of meeting people and developing relationships from the in game world and then potentially out, it's inevitable over time, and one of the most rewarding aspects of the game. That said, i do have two friends in game that i will be running this with, despite my earlier comments, but my stance should be unchanged.
The whole concept is built around having a save file and that you must be at 0 KO's to proceed.
Furthermore, the game tosses you into a purgatory room after each 10 floor set.
I would advocate for it simply being in duty finder, but i can live with the idea of forcing parties to be made in server...
Just so long as you can replace people along the way....
Let people congregate in the purgatory rooms or shout for party in Quarrymill FFXI style.
It's the absolute fixed part that makes my head spin.