Snorlax in Seattle

I've seen people power up Snorlaxes with lower IVs (People might hatch weakers snorlaxes) and earthquake is a much better move on Snorlax nowadays since most people will attack him with a Rhydon and most friendlies will prestige with a Pidgeot.

I would say, it's totally fine to be made buddy and to get candies, but I will not power up him unless you only wanna use it for defending only. (even though, it's not that good, especially when attacked by Dragonite)

If you wanna put him in a gym, it is neccessary to power him up to 2400-2500 so he won't be dropped out. If there are no high level gyms around you, it doesn't matter what you put in. So you don't have to power him up.
If you are not in a hurry just wait before you power him up. Collect kind of 70 candies if you don't have to collect other candies. Maybe you will find another (better) Snorlax until you catch that many candies.