shit man, I don't see why he'd be making an ass out of himself by telling her how he feels regardless of how she reacted to the news. but I guess honesty is overrated.
when guy friends of mine have expressed interest as more than a friend I never thought they were an ass, I didn't laugh in their face. I was flattered and said oh no I'm sorry that's not going to work out buddy.
what did he have to lose by telling her really? he didn't have her before he expressed interest, and well he still doesn't have her. nothing gained, nothing lost. yeah the friendship part can be awkward after such an admission...but ti doesn't usually end the friendship unless you just weren't that good of friends to begin with.
I think what he did was fine, and all the advice given was fine too...except mine. love letters are dumb. lol.
and toucan you're chickenshit. bawk bawk!