I think you are confusing two separate things -- the no fly list and SSSSing.

If your friends are on the list, they won't be SSSSed -- they simply won't get to fly. This is true even if it is not really them on the list, just people with similar names.

SSSSing can be done either on a random basis or because something rings the computer's chimes. I get it all the time because I buy my tickets in Tel Aviv.

In this case, you might have been inadvertently responsible for setting off the warning bells. The computer may have found it odd that two people with Arabic names, but not the same family name, registered for AA's frequent flyer program at the same time and then asked for tickets on the same flight.

If they are being SSSSed they may find it a bit annoying but despite the horror tales we have been reading on this board it is not all that traumatic an experience. I don't think it has ever taken me more than 5 minutes and I generally joke with the screeners during it.

It is, for all that, a silly waste of time and money.