Does using the word "crony" necessitate a negative connotation?

I have always heard the word "crony" in the context of acquaintanceships between people exploiting their closeness for less than noble means. Despite its definitions in the usual places as simply long-standing friends and close associates, the examples on m-w are both loaded with the aforementioned baggage.

Is it possible to use the word as a neutral (if not positive) synonym for friend?

From Etymonline:

crony 1660s, Cambridge student slang, probably from Gk. khronios "long-lasting," from khronos "time," and with a sense of "old friend," or "contemporary."

cronyism 1840, "friendship," from crony + -ism. Meaning "appointment of friends to important positions, regardless of ability" is originally Amer.Eng., from c.1950.

NOAD has crony as "often derogatory," but I would think that using the term outside of a political context could still safely elicit positive associations.

I have never heard crony used except either pejoratively or jocularly. C.f. other words for nefarious associates: minion, partner in crime, henchman. I wouldn't use any of those words in an unmarkedly positive sense and even if I meant it lightheartedly, I would take care to make my meaning clear.