I know what I'm about to say is an oversimplification. I'm not making light of the situation, and I understand it. I've been there, we've probably all been there.
It's like your eyes have been opened. You were walking down a road, and before, it looked like there was only the one path you were walking. Then BAM you can see, and you discover thee are 20 roads, and the one you're on (AFC) isn't so great. So you pick a different road, and become a PUA. But you still see the 19 other roads. You're aware, now of everything that you weren't before. All the same, you're on this one road, so you can keep walking on this one.
There's nothing wrong with noticing IOIs. There's nothing wrong with being attractive to other women. It will make yours appreciate you that much more. And I personally don't think there's anything wrong with you lightly flirting with them either, as long as you don't as you say "lead them on".
You're doing fine. You're worried that since you see other roads that the roads may force you onto their path. Not so. You control your feet, control yourself, so you're good.
Make sense?