When people get to know you, and like you, and decide to be your friend, it doesn't matter what others say about you. Friendships are possessive things. We 'invest' in others, and the rewards are the company they give, and the warmth they add to our lives. That is always worth protecting, and good friends will always step up and stand by your side...and we will do the same for them.
Andy and Donnie were well-liked before Dickie started trying to trash them. Being good friends to others was the best protection these two could have!