I also find such trope enjoyable. Mainly because most mangas follow certain stereotypes for bad guys, usually if they're ugly and disgusting or are grotesque or dark skinned/middle east-ish then they're evil. The youth needs to know we uglies are nice too!
Glad mc's male friend is not just tsukkomi setting up and irrelevant friend a in this manga like so many others, particularly romance/harem. Bro got his own route. Justice for male friend characters!