quality is way more important. friction is ok, if people are not willing to confirm their email how will you get them to download your app?

The best thing you can do now is engage the people who are interested in your app. Don't wait until launch to start communicating. Use the next 3-4 weeks to validate your assumptions by talking to as many people as possible. Making sure your app solves a real problem that your customers want solved is the best way to get traction.