Hi There
You asked, "How come some posters have a "befriend" button next to their name?"
In the upper left hand corner of the screen, click on My Settings, and there's a whole section about friends and contacts; I think it's under Edit & Options.
One can chose to not see that phrase, but still 'befriend' individuals from within My Settings.
Send me a DM if I can be of help.

Or find the forum called
About The Forum; it's very helpful. I say this only bec. I noticed you're relatively new to the site. It took me a Long time to figure it all out. . .
PS....I like your user name! I, too, have a clear set of beliefs and standards.