Like minded friends are great on pedi. And I can see why it is easier to go the gooning route as it acts as an ice breaker for some. Getting a feel for what each other like and such. For real though... It's hard to make any deep bonds over such a place as we need to stay safe and anonymous. To not leave any clues behind that might give away your locale (Specific use of language / dialect, reference to time of day, weather, local events/sports/politics, local holidays, etc...). It's best to be vague about this stuff. No to mention what's to say the person you are talking with is being truthful anyway? It goes without saying that one should do everything possible to never link the pedi and IRL identities. Use different devices and connections for different accounts. Tread cautiously, treat with some respect but above all look out for number one

Normie friends are still great. It's healthy to have an escape from these depths. Though even if I suspected one of being in someway like minded I would not engage that. It may seem great to have someone IRL to bond and chat about these things but these are secrets that should never get let out. The power someone knowing that being held over you is too great, it would be impossible to survive. Whether a friend or even a partner, things could always turn south. They could set you up to fail, use you to save their own skin or worse be vengeful if ever scorned.

It's tough to crack into friendship as we are such a skittish and contentious bunch but persevere, someone might surprise you.