I mean, just because nobody explicitly inquires about something doesn't mean it's irrelevant. If you got a gift from an old friend (or even a happy birthday message) and then somehow found out it was only because someone else had pressured them into doing that, would it mean the same thing to you as if it had been their own independent decision? Most people wouldn't...
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Not sure why you were downvoted, this is a pretty crucial difference.
Never in my life of wishing people happy birthday have they inquired as to my birthday record keeping methodology.
Nor have I ever asked anyone that sent me a happy birthday text or call how they knew.
What matters is what you do once it's someone's birthday, not how you found out or keep track.
I mean, just because nobody explicitly inquires about something doesn't mean it's irrelevant. If you got a gift from an old friend (or even a happy birthday message) and then somehow found out it was only because someone else had pressured them into doing that, would it mean the same thing to you as if it had been their own independent decision? Most people wouldn't...
Facebook doesn't pressure me into saying happy birthday any more than your gcal or other alternate means of birthday tracking does.
To me this is markedly different than your scenario where Bob nags Alice until she relents and wishes me happy birthday.
Your gcal says "Wish your friends a happy birthday!" above a box it pops up for you to do so?