JAM, I know what you mean. While there is a difference between being being shy or being into some game, there comes a point (and it happens pretty quickly for me), that I just don't care.

There was a movie with Jeff Bridges and Barbara Streisand where he fumbled with a relationship because of shyness and living in his head. When he realized he was getting dumped by this girl who was tired of waiting for him to do SOMETHING/ANYTHING. Then, he finally asked, as she was exiting: "Can we still get together sometime?" Her reply: Why?"

I think the shy-guy routine is a game for some guys. They hide behind it and want the girl to make the first move. In many cases the girl leaves a hint about as obvious as "drop the hankie". If the guy doesn't move on that que, then its time for me to move on.

Ok not that guy or girl playing games is cool, but seriously give guys a break. We are always expected to make the first move or ask the girl out, and like you said if we arent considered attractive enough all the more weight of starting things is on us. I'm not saying this is the case for you right then, but give the guys a break!