Your friend is mistaken. The batteries last varying lengths of time and mileage. Not 80K and then - blip - they're toast. It depends on many factors, it appears. I suspect most HCH1 batteries last well over 100K miles.
I bought the extended warranty on my HCH2, so I know I'm covered for at least 120K miles or 8 years. Just the fact that you CAN buy such a warranty implies that Honda expects my battery to last at least 120K miles.
And, I believe the costs associated with replacement ARE coming down, as Hot_Georgia_2004 said.
Last, if your friend drives 80K miles a year, he CLEARLY needs some vehicle that gets darn good MPG, whatever it is.

Steve

STOP terrorism - Drive a HYBRID

Vehicles:
350 miles a week ------------ 2006 HCH II, Magnetic Pearl, w/NAVI (born on May 25, 2006)
350 miles a month ---------- 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
350 miles a year (for now) - 1986 Mercedes 560SL