Just because your enemies will not always be your friends does not mean it is useless to TRY to convert them to be one's friends. It is, as most things, a bet. One must know, beforehand, if it is WORTH it to try.

Nevertheless, the statement to which I replied remains evidence against rather than evidence for. You are of course welcome to support the sentiment despite the anecdote in question---such things aren't typically considered to be strong evidence either way.

I would say it's a useful quote because it provides an alternative to the usual "smash them as soon as they oppose you" deal going on.

It may also be better than the even more common "deal with them as you can, but don't expect they'll ever be on your side".