Considering there's not a fleck of anything at all in that filter, I'd say it was completely unnecessary, plus now your friend lost the notable high-moly FF. I know "common knowledge" is that engine assemblies are horribly dirty and machining techniques leave lots of detritus, but that "common knowledge" hasn't applied to Japanese engines for at least 25 years. I have zero personal worry about running a brand new Japanese engine for whatever the manufacturer says, and that engine will last as long as it ever will anyways.
I'd actually tell your friend to drain whatever oil you put in and put the factory oil back in. Thanks for the C&P though!