Noob Question: A practice use for the "Buddy" list?

[FenGiddel]

This seems like a great feature, but I am unsure how best to use it.  Of what practical interest is it, please?

[SM]

I've been here a long, buddy, and I don't have the faintest idea what it's for.

[FenGiddel]

Well, shucks!  I was hoping it could be used to keep up with my buddies' posts!  Some of "youse guys" are prolific... 

[whiterabbit]

Stalker. It's a hit list.

I keep Hicks in there. You know, for close counters.

[Corporal Hicks]

I think it's just so you can easily see when your friends are online. They show up in bold on the active list on the front page.

[Darkness]

My buddy list is quite long. I like to put people on there I don't like so I can more easily keep an eye on them.

[Corporal Hicks]

  The enemies list, in Darkness' case.

[Randomizer]

It's actually quite useful for highlighting regular members. Not so much for the rest though.