Women I associate with do not automatically stereotype men as, well, hardly 'inferior' but with inflated superiority pretentions

Nor do any of the men I associate with stereotype women in that way. If the men *you* associate with are like that, choose a better class of male friend. And commenting on attractiveness usually does not constitute stereotyping as inferior. Also, such compliments are *always* a positive input, indicating that your appearance gives pleasure to other people, and an absence of compliments doesn't convey displeasure so there isn't a downside. (Of course, insults based on appearance *are* hurtful, but that's not what we're talking about here.)

As you say, to go out hunting for approval from the opposite sex is usually a demeaning exercise, but to get that approval when you're *not* looking for it or expecting it is nice. I guess in the same way that if you're performing, you have to put on a front to keep people interested; but playing guitar while you're waiting for a train and having someone random say "that sounds nice" is unexpected and gives you a real boost.

Misandrous women generally have an agenda: they've been subjected to oppression

So women who behave like that are generally victims; but men who behave like that are generally oppressors? You really are trying to have your cake and eat it with that one...

Graham.