I don't understand why your friend decided that because he couldn't cope, then equal parental leave is a terrible idea.

I don't know your friend and I don't know the particulars. I'll just say one thing: of course it's difficult -- for the mother too!

I manage with the bottle, by the way. And play, and change diapers, and soothe my baby when she's upset. It's tiring, but also rewarding.