You need to find new friends. I can't stand guitar elitists who think that people suck just because they can't shred at 500bpm. It's all about expressing yourself creatively and musically, and if you think that playing songs like this does that, then go right ahead and do it.
(I have a few "friends" who are just like that by the way)
"No Lead Guitar Potential"? What kind of crap is that?
some people...
As I said on your video, you have indeed gotten noticeably better
Keep it up dude, don't let anyone else put you down