Aye... I can concur.
I have added a number of friends in the last few days. While my 'counter' goes up, and the "Available to: Friends (*)" table lists their name, there is no notice in my "Activity Log", nor has my new friend's portrait appeared in the "Friends" section of my profile page.
For example, yesterday (or the day before) the OP and I sent friend requests... his counter went up, as did mine, but neither activity log notified, nor have our portraits been listed.
Please look into this.