In what way is it allowed to alter tournament pairings in favor of a player? The FIDE Rules for Swiss Systems state:


  C.04.2 A It is not allowed to alter the correct pairings in favour of any player.  


and then further state:


  Where it can be shown that modifications of the original pairings were made to help a player achieve a norm or a direct title, a report may be submitted to the QC to initiate disciplinary measures through the Ethics Commission.


What I can get from this is that (for example) if my friend, who is one point away in the final round to achieve a title, is a player in a tournament, and I am the arbiter of that tournament, I can alter the pairings in such a way that he plays an 1100 player and have an easy title shot.

Is this what can be concluded from the above section of the rules? If not, what is meant by "modifications" there?
It says the exact opposite.


  C.04.2 A It is not allowed to alter the correct pairings in favour of any player. 


So no, you can't.


  Where it can be shown that modifications of the original pairings were made to help a player achieve a norm or a direct title, a report may be submitted to the QC to initiate disciplinary measures through the Ethics Commission.


FIDE could try to punish the player or you.