It all depends how much you "need" to hear the music.
After spending tens of thousands of dollars to make my masters sound as fine as they should, I find mp3s an insult. I know the "business" is moving this way and will ultimately "go there" to get the music out to interested (or potentially interested) parties.
Sounds like you fell into a bad crowd. Most of my friends are not like this.
If your search for "artistic friends" fails, look elsewhere. I never sought out "artistic friends" on FB. Open a FB account, wait for folks to find you and make choices.