My opinion on the matter, as a recovering AFC:
I have a friend, been friends with her over 3 years, and there has been some mutual attraction. However, since I was an AFC, I went about it all wrong and completely screwed it all up. Rather than kicking myself over it for a year or so (as I used to), I decided to learn from it. There's a few things that I've noticed between me and her that I think are positives. For one, she's pretty hot, I'd say around an 8-9, so when we're out together, the jealousy factor kicks in for all the other pretty ladies I'd rather be taking home. It also helps that we have this great rapport, so much so that most people assume we're dating anyway. And you know how women want what they can't have. I also have learned a lot about things I never would have. When I met her, I was a major club kid, really into techno and the whole club culture, which isn't really shared that much by other people (especially women) here in the Midwestern USA. I mean, there's club kids around, but it's a real niche culture. My friend opened me up to other areas of music and culture. I retained my penchant for club culture, but also discovered punk, soul, and R&B (the good stuff) through just knowing her. That opens up more topics when talking to other chicks. I have learned a few things about what women really like, because I ask POINTED QUESTIONS, not about what she thinks women want, but what SHE WANTS when she's looking for a guy. I've also been able to build up a profile of the qualities I really want in a woman, just by having been so close to her.
The female friend also gives you someone to hang out with when you need it. Even though you're pretty much guaranteed a non-sexual encounter, they can still stroke the ego, especially when getting over the rejection thing. This has been extremely important for me in the early days of DJ'ing. If I need a little extra boost to get back out there, I go see her. Also, I can emotionally unload on her so I don't start gushing to some little hottie and ruin a potential candidate.
By the way, it's been mentioned that once attracted, always attracted. I guess it really depends on the person, but I can honestly say that I'm not attracted to her anymore in a romantic way. I'd still knock it to Japan if she wanted to get it on, but other than casual sex, I'd never actually want anything more with her (whereas before, I'd have given my left - fill in the blank - to spend the rest of my life with her).
Don't discount female friendships. If becoming a DJ is all about learning about the opposite sex, those female friends can be an untapped goldmine. Just make sure you go about it correctly.
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"Workers of the world, get off my couch." ~Andy French