Dropping down the strength of cigarette is the easiest way to quit smoking, it only takes part of a pack to adjust to the lower strength, and by repeatedly doing that over time you are reducing your physical dependence on nicotine (only a part of the addiction).
I started smoking when I was 12, and stopped when I was 34.
I might still be a dickhead, but I was much more of a dickhead when I was smoking, just like your friends... and anyone who buys cigarettes for them.
Smoking is very obviously stupid.