Sorry, couldn't resist...there's a cat for all occasions.
As for my take on things, here's what I do each night, regardless of threat level: lock doors, close blinds, lights out, set noise machine to "frogs," set gun/flashlight on nightstand. If someone were to threaten me, whether by internet, phone, or in person, I can't think of one thing I'd do differently. I'm always cautious about my family's safety. I do it for the same reason I always wear a seatbelt, or get a physical, or carry an umbrella in the car. I like to take preemptive action, versus picking up pieces later. So my advice would be to get in the habit of being cautious, so that if something like this happens, it won't phase you. You can just say "well good luck with that" and be on your merry way.
The only other thing I think you could have done is put a report on file with the police, but they're not going to post guards. The most that would do is give them a suspect if/when something happened.
As for the friends, that depends on if you're a forgive-and-forget, get-even, or hit-the-road type. Friend #1 sounds like a pansy. I almost trashed a rather expensive mountain bike last weekend, and you don't see me whining. I actually think it was fun flying that far over a mud pit.
Oh, and welcome to the forum!!! Don't worry, we don't all bite.