...and perhaps the people I'd choose to befriend wouldn't necessarily choose each other.

Right. However, just because they might not fit a particular circle, doesn't mean they can't be a "stand-alone" friend, or part of a different circle. My mind is full of Venn diagrams now...

I wonder if every group needs its meanie, its flake its martinet, and its damsel in distress.

Um...is there anyone else there I could talk to? I hope you're wrong...but you're probably right. I don't want to think about which one I might be.

...I need to make MYSELF the environment: be the best CJ I can be...

I like this immensely.