I have to say that a 750 nighthawk or the gvs 650(?) would be good starter bikes. But they are really don't do either thing (cruising or sporting) well enough to make up for that. I rode a standard at first, and I don't think I ever will again, unless i have a monster or 919 to commute on.
Like I said, I never buy bikes with more than 10k on them. But someone has to because I will need to sell mine eventually.
Re-reading your post Pony, I would lean twoard the type of bike your friends have, it will make it easier to ride with them, all else being equal. Personally, I have some friends with cruisers, and it is boring as all hell to ride with them. Not to mention I get stiff way faster than they do.
I hope this helps, it promises to be entertaining anyway.
