There's a spectrum that tabletop has to grapple with. On one end you have the super ultra complex tabletop games where it takes hours to make characters but there's near limitless customization and combat abilities. On the other end is your more streamlined and simple "jump-in" games where you can create your character and start your adventure in the same night. 

I too have a friend who will not shut up about how great 3.5E is when compared to 5E. But the the thing is that my favorite part of role playing is the actual role playing. Fighting has never been my favorite part of D&D and regardless of edition the encounters seem to take forever. This is especially true when it comes to the less enthused among us that seem to forget what their character can do every session.

I think 5E is the best version of D&D thus far. It's not as dumbed down as 4E, and it's not as rule heavy as 3.5E. 

I also think 5E doesn't get nearly enough credit for handling non-combat encounters as well as it does. Sure, 3.5E has its customization options and countless perks, but it's a lot easier to roll saves and checks with 5E. 

Of course, this is just my preference.