But isn't that giving friends the false idea that it's good for THEM to be "know-betterers"? And why shouldn't Alfred have that same invitation to increase his own self-confidence?

I think the Internet has robbed us of many of the conversational niceties and social cues. Some days, I think I'd like to join a convent (well, hard to do when you're married - but maybe visit one) and take a vow of silence, sit in my cell a while, and lock out all but the sounds of birdsong.