I agree with you, we are all friends. However some people aren't to friendly and scam us or send items not as described! "Friends and family" paying isn't for paying for goods. Just loans, gifts etc. If you pay through "friends and family" you are NOT covered through their buyer protection program. Photo below is from Paypals website, it clearly states you are not covered if you pay with "friends and family". Paypal just changed the transaction name from "Gifting" to send money to "Family and friends" about a year ago and at that time they started waving the fees when paid in certain ways. I believe that is what the OP is talking about.
I rarely use paying for "goods" myself because I don't want to pay the fees or have the buyer pay them but, to each their own! Again, Paying for "goods" protects the buyer from, Yes, the scammers that are out there. If the seller is known and is reputable, avoid the fees.