cyth has the right idea with the ladder theory.
you might think us as friends when we talk to you and get to know you. i'm not saying that there is no good i being friends with the guy first. but guys usually test the water. some may take their time testing out the water. sometimes it's jus teh quick dip of the toe.
however, these are the guys that you should be knowing. these guys have taken the effort and time to find out about the girl that they like.
if you do get into a relationship in these circumstances, even if you break up, there is still a friendship under there.
it's like an egg. just assume that the shell was the relationship and the friendship the yolk. once the shell breaks you can use the yolk to create other delicassies. that is the same with relationships and friendships. if you break up there is still the yolk. this CAN be improved to recreate better foods, in this case, building the relationships stronger and making it more meaningful.
sorry for the long response.