I agree, MD, the boyfriends around DC are whipped and weak. I was sitting in McD's on 18th St. Friday night after a concert and watched a 7/8 in a topless outfit with a guy that was just pure dork. White socks, shorts, bad glasses, I figured that was her little brother until he put his hands on her. It's just like, wtf?
I also tend to have the aggressive look you are talking about when I'm alone and not with friends. It definitely works to raise interest just b/c most guys around here keep their balls in their personal organizers. Their women surely want some wildman **** in them before they move to the 'burbs to raise babies with Mr. Woosbag. But the problem is you've got to shift modes to meet them. Go from Clint Eastwood to someone a bit less intimidating. I've scared prospects off even after the initial opener went fine just because I didn't smile enough and they got the wrong vibes. I've looked in the mirror and thought, holy sh!t, I look like a stalker with that expression, it's amazing they didn't run away when I approached.
By contrast, last summer I had a much dorkier but friendlier look and feel going on, mainly due to an accidental encounter with St John's Wort which has prozac like effects on the personality. Long story short, the dorky/friendly pacified always smiling version of me met far more women in far less time, and some incredibly hot ones, too, just walking around on the street. I've never had that kind of success since even as my technique has improved. I just seemed so much more approachable then, I guess.
Thus I think it's all about not intimidating them so the shield goes down. Elsewhere women are probably used to rougher men and so they're less intimidated, that's why you got less Bshield, but around here you have to come across as soft and sweet b/c that's what they're used to. Plenty of fine women here overall, though, and weak competition.
Happy hunting.
A1