Nintendo isn't going to ditch friendcodes. They're the id system there exists in online world. The problem is, that the standard to use them still lacks. They should be used as they are used in MKWii, you just send a friend request from MK Channel via Message Board and the request can be linked to any licence.
I think Happy Squrriel put it right in his post, and because of what he mentioned about nicknames, i see the friendcodes made for adults rather than protect the kids. Protecting the kids with friendcodes doesn't make any sense, since the friendcodes doesn't make any difference from, for example, gaymertag (not trolling or flaming, just a tribute to M$ and Richard Gaywood) in "protecting the kids", when the ease of creating an online account make a big difference.
Besides, i can't recall Nintendo talking that much about protecting the kids online, as they have about accessibility.
Ei Kiinasti.
Eikä Japanisti.
Vaan pannaan jalalla koreasti.
Nintendo games sell only on Nintendo system.
