Firstly, I understand the negative connotations here. Let's talk this through.

manipulate (according to merriamwebster)- to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage

A manipulative / machiavaelli approach to dating (for me) would be nothing short of getting the right chemicals in the woman's brain to fire, and have those chemicals associated with me.

It seems we already preach a system that accomplishes this to an amount. It's called game, and consists of flirting, push/pull (especially things like disqualifiers to get her to chase), dicarlo escalation ladder (etc). It seems crucial knowing how to do game given that women are already addicted to the chemical hits they get from social media attention in addition to the attention from chads.

In other words, making her want those chemicals associated with you. Fun fact, most women are natural machivaellians, but that doesn't make them evil. Why should it make you or I evil? It's about the intentions and effects.

We spend time with those that make us feel good while avoiding those that make us feel bad.

I wouldn't neglect game or SMV improvement for myself. What I'm purposing is a stronger focus on giving her that brain chemical dump. The best example I can think off the top of my head is huge love-bombing followed by a coquettish withdrawal of attention. (We already even use the withdrawal of attention here. Women do it much more easily because they naturally have all the options. A hottie smiling at a guy followed by a small conversation will get him to chase).

I can imagine some women needing more machiavellian effort to turn for the man while others would need just a touch.

If the targeted girt likes you as a result, that's joy for her and you. Positive hedons for everyone.

We spend time with the people we do because they make us feel good, and avoid those that make us feel bad.

2 nights ago my phone was empty of notifications. Last night, the hb6 from a library said she was busy and didn't take my bait to hang out. An hb7 that sits behind me in philosophy responded way too late (I'm surprised she did respond).

I'd been cold approaching and gaming all week only to be alone again. It doesn't have to be this way. I think I'm capable of learning and implementing this to boost my success.