Yes, it's needed if you want to optimize your recovery. 400 mg test shuts you down just as much as a gram of test does. Shut down is shut down. Just because other guys do things half-way doesn't mean you should.
Your friend is not to bright. Tamox is not an AI and will do nothing to control estrogen from rising. Follow the link provided as it's about the best guide for a first cycle that you'll find on the internet.