Re:
Sometime ago, I had this same debate, and even was able playfully use it in many interactions with women. My buddy and I talked over saying "you're my friend" to a girl we did want, but wanted to chase us, OR, that we did want, but didn't want us explicitly.
Some inherent issues here...
++If dating is about YOU, then you're doing things contrary to that. You're intentions aren't following your actions.
++It sounds MORE wussy to me to deflect the truth of the matter than to walk away if she wants nothing, than to contrive some lines that will psychologically bulldoze her into wanting you more than before.
++If someone likes you, NOTHING you say matters. If someone doesn't like you, NOTHING you say will change that.
Sure if you want to confuse the heck out of a girl you just bonked, or kissed, then fine. But to begin dating someone, say "you're just a friend" sounds wussy and weak. NOT TO MENTION, when you pride the friends things above ALL ELSE, you run the risk of losing her respect since she will feel the friendship matters most and that NO MATTER what, you'll uphold the friendship. Plus, friends screw you more than enemies, so you just set yourself up for a double whammy.
Be not a friend to ASK for what it is you want, and to WALK away from it when it is not given. This type of approaching speaks of "need", a lack of self respect, and a lack of focus. Maybe you'll get what I'm saying.
A-Unit