You make good points. In a company I worked for previously I got more than one of my friends hired, but I did it when the company was actively recruiting and I

You make good points. In a company I worked for previously I got more than one of my friends hired, but I did it when the company was actively recruiting and I spoke with my boss extensively at every step. In the end, I gave my recommendations and scheduled the interviews, but it was my boss that worked out salary and other details with them. Unless you are the hiring manager and have direct authority to make offers on behalf of the company, never offer anyone a job. Providing a reference and hand carrying the resume to the appropriate hiring manager is as far as you would be wise to go.