I couldn't find anything on here about it on the forum yet, so I thought I'd discuss the ladder theory for a bit and how it relates to attraction-building.

Basically, there is a theory that argues that a huge differences between men and women is the "ladder" system of attraction. Basically, guys have one ladder. The most desirable woman (Natalie Portman, et al) are at the very top, and the worst (900lb gorillas) are at the bottom. There is no distinction of desirability as a mate. Looks don't have EVERYTHING to do with the system, but they (among wit, personality, etc.) determine where any woman falls on your personal ladder. Any girl higher than another will be chosen to date, hu, etc. because of her placement on your ladder.

In contrast, women have two ladders: a friend ladder and a relationship ladder. This is why the beloved 'friend zone' exists. Almost immediately upon meeting you, women determine whether you are a potential mate or a potential 'friend,' and your movement thereafter is stuck on that one ladder. And, this is why being a best friend has nothing to do with being a potential boyfriend, while a guy's closeness to a girl often makes them more attractive rather than less so. This is why negs and initial DHV are so important: they get you on the 'mate' ladder. Thereafter, you can quickly transition to the comfort-building and other good stuff pushes you up the ladder high enough to close.

I'm interested to hear other thoughts...

actualy, i think you are totaly right about this one.
if u meet a girl and you fall into the friend zone (friend ladder) witch i prefer to call the friend pit! Its very hard to get out of it, i've had it many times, in fact this is the nr. one reason, how a guy becomes an AFC.
A guy can't be "just friends" with a woman, because u always want/are willing to take a bit more when the moment passes by!
even when u are out of the friendpit, u better back off for a while because she would respond very weird when u try to neg/kino them, because she knows u allready because of who u are, and suddenly you're will be "acting strange" in her eyes.