Years ago, I proposed that chivalry was "dead" for the following reasons
1. Females were not attracted to the knights who courted them or placed them at a lower rank
2. Most females were not the girl next door who guys will pursue and remember forever
Now, I will discuss a male who is not only a gentleman, but is also an asshole. It may be genetic, it may have to do with their past, or it can be a new tactic to befuddle women. There are infinite reasons, but those come to my mind first.
The term "friend zone" has created a line that no man wishes to cross with the attractive female. Sometimes, males can already be placed there even just because of type, but that's when she knows exactly what she wants. When she doesn't, this is where males can have control. They can forge an identity that both respects women, but uses actions to get under their skin.
Sometimes it is done purely out of disinterest. No need to complicate friendships or because he just doesn't want to be on a romantic level with anyone at the moment. It can still be subtle to create bonds for later. That's where planting the seed starts.
What else could be more annoying than a guy who shows promise but can be like every other one in other instances? Nothing could possibly be more aggravating to her hormones. Because she doesn't know if that's who he is or if it's an act. That potential for change can be what fosters dating or a relationship.
Who knows unless you're willing to go deeper?