I chose packer just because you are reasonably confident that you are going to have reproducible results based on your previous smokes.
But, this really depends on your friends and how much you want to be able to impress them.
Do you care if the results are less than optimal?
Will they be paying more attention to the game and drinking beers and not really care that much about the results?
Do they have smoking experience to the point that they would really be able to tell how well the ribs turned out? We are always our own worst critics and notice the smallest things that others will not notice.
Are they OK being guinea pigs for a trial run?
Ultimately, if you friends are like mine, they won't care either way as long as they are getting home smoked meat, get to drink beer, and watch the Super Bowl all at the same time.