I thought "closest friends" was just Flyertalk parlance for all of our community acquaintances. I know it's how I describe the folks I'll see at a Do to my family and other friends. Often, the phrase is "my xx closest friends whose names I don't know!"
You are correct. @:-)
Can't say that I'm amazed how people have mis-read
20 of my closest friends. 
Since I can't go due to the
BRT, I'll wait out the next one.
That statement I'll allow you to read any way you want to.
dh