Reminds me of the brilliant Coca-Cola campaign of putting random names on cans. Is someone more likely to buy a Coke that says "Jerome" of their friend happens to be named Jerome? Absolutely. And if they're not? I don't think it bothers anyone.

And then it got watered down, likely by committee. Now they say "buddy", "pal", etc. so that they can apply to everyone.

Missed the Mark a bit there.