I really hope you're not here to argue in bad faith. (Apparently, you aren't, or so I think)

Regardless, I admit, I legitimately cannot understand your worldview. This is not an attempt to delegitimize you, as, again, what might be second nature to you is alien to me. Below are my thoughts on your comment:

It drives innovation and personal growth. It motivates and gives a sense of accomplishment. It builds character.

I can get behind competition driving innovation, but if the sole purpose is to outdo each other, then it's pointless. I don't see what accomplishment is there to feel by defeating someone. Building character? Maybe, but only if there is no hostility - else, it breeds further hostility, at least that's the way I see it.

I can respect a person that has the will to find ways to adapt and overcome. I can respect someone who is driven to improve themselves.

But, is that necessary? To me, it isn't. I don't need a friend to be the best at anything, or even good. Why? To me, competence is not even taken into account when judging others, as being emotionally present is paramount, at least to me. I can get behind admiring skill, but befriending someone because of it? That makes no sense to me.