Hello, my dear chronicler.
Reading your memories, I went through my own, recalling friends from my distant childhood and youth, and the truth is, neither then nor later did I ever think in terms of best friends.
Now that most have passed away, and those who haven't are far behind, I'm left wondering what criteria to apply to classify someone in particular as a best friend.
I hope you have success in the Full Sports community, where several excellent friends live, although it's not a topic I can contribute to, except for my vote. My ignorance of sports matters is almost total.

Until next time, and good luck.