This reminds me a lot of Dragon Age 2's friend/rival bar.

So there will definitely be flavor differences between the two types of relationships, which will probably be most evident in the end game and in romances. I think rival romances would be too interesting not to do.

One of the only good ideas Bioware implemented in DA2 was the possibility of a rivalry romance. In most RPGs you have to pander to your romantic interest if you wanted to land them (even if you completely dissagreed with everything they said). It was such a unique component—it’s too bad the rest of the game stank.

Pfuit, PS2 will have the rivalry romance, AND won't suck!!

Pfuit, PS2 will have the rivalry romance, AND won't suck!!

I'll hold you to that.