Agreed. I believe it gave credence to the idea that they're shipmates who have served alongside one another for a long time. For example, I like how Worf became more comfortable with them over time.
I think TNG is one of those rare examples of a tv show where if you put any two characters together, they make a good double act. With the exception of Dr Craptastic from season 2. Really did not like her.
Really? Oh, I love Dr. Pulaski. She was a great foil for Data and a sister in arms for Worf. She also clashed with Picard, which was a nice change of pace up to that point.
I actually saw a doc named Pulaski this morning. He stuck needles in my arm and then shot electric current through them. And he had as much personality as a phone book.