In wet areas, lacquer can get cloudy and white pretty fast. That glassy surface scratches if you just set down a glass. I had a friend's table where the lacquer started peeling after only a year. It looks nice new but doesn't hold up.
Your buddy's shock at that glass-like dry is totally understandable. That shine is TEMPTING but it comes with big trade-offs. I feel for anyone dealing with peeling or clouding later on.