These storylines always confuse me as someone who hasn't had a close friend or lover. Is it really that hard to tell someone important to you that you like them? Why just go on hurting? Best case is you get a good friend and couple, worst case is you're sad for a bit but you move on and look for someone else.
You put the friendship at risk by doing that. And when they say no, you can't just go on with being friends like before. It'll always be a bit more awkward or too hard for the one who had those feelings.
Your point works for people you're not friend with though.