My self-esteem was boosted, and I wasn't looking for sex or male company as I already had those things whenever I liked, so I was only interested if someone ticked all my boxes for a real proper partner. Does that make sense?
Yes, it does make sense 
I've had that from boyfriends not casuals.
That's how i would expect it to be too.
Sadly I think it’s easier to have that kind of situation when no domesticity aspect or expectations of tying up your time are involved
I would agree. But ther was no domesticity involved with any of my boyfriends. The relationships haven't lasted long enough! I've got a more 'domestic' situation with one fwb than I've ever had with a boyfriend!
Because fwb is basically a prolonged honeymoon period. Don’t be sad, enjoy those lovely moments, a relationship isn’t the be all and end all.
Again that's true amd I can see that but I've not had the 'honeymoo' period with boyfriend. When I was kissed on the forehead this morning, that's that's first time anyone has done that. I don't want him to be my boyfriend but I did think what a lovely boyfriend he would be!
Because they don’t ever progress into anything, FWBs, to answer the initial question. You just stay in the fun place… until you begin to develop feelings for the FWB (maybe why you cried- HRTWT). That’s when the wheels come off!
No, I don't have feelings for him. I did have a fwb one before and he developed feelings for me. It was awful tbh. I loved him as a friend but didn't have any deeper feelings for him romantically and there things about him that made us incompatible as a couple. I've never developed feelings for a fwb.
You don’t have all the ‘shit’ to discuss/worry about with fwbs (money, domestic chores, each other’s family etc).
But you don't have that with boyfriends either. Yes, once you move in together but not when you have your own homes and are in the early stages of dating.
Yeah but you never have to see your fwb sick or stressed or hungover, you never have to talk about bills or paint colours or which brand of margarine you should buy
I don't know, my long term fwb and I have supported each other through and talked about stuff like that.
That sounds like a standard 'date' you can have with a boyfriend
That's the point though - I haven't had them with boyfriends.
One of them I've been with for 2 years so it does look a bit more 'relationshippy' but it's not. He doesn't want to commit to me and there are things about him that make him unsuitable for me as a partner.
I'm at his house at the moment. He and my friend are up in his studio recording some music. He cooked us both dinner.
If I could have what I have with either of these fwbs in a relationship it would be great!