Rethinking - Don't throw out the garbage just yet

In two of my articles, I separated friendships into four progressive stages:

Stage 1 - Strangers.  Zero conversation. 
Stage 2 - Acquaintances.  Nothing more than "Hello" and brief superficial comments. 
Stage 3 - Early Friendship.  Real conversation begins. 
Stage 4 - Late Friendship.  3+ months of real friendliness. 

I had advocated tossing out Stage 4 girls for two reasons.  First, once you're friendzoned, the odds are so slim of turning it around that you'd be wasting time and effort.  Second, pursuing girls who friendzoned you often makes you feel like crap and drains self-esteem.  Crappy self-esteem makes you worst at playing the courtship game towards other girls. 

However, I can see how it's not a good idea to burn bridges.  I wish forummers would have called me out on this one. 

Granted, you shouldn't expect to go anywhere with Stage 4 girls.  Don't keep chasing them and remove all expectations of anything romantic arising. 

But remain somewhat friendly and keep them around, even if you have to flirt with them once in a while.  That's because, if your target (in Stage 1-3) sees you surrounded by Stage 4 chicks, your value will increase and she'll be more likely interested in you or more receptive to your advance.  Remember, the popularity principle states that, girls want guys who are wanted by other girls.  In the PUA community, this is called "social proof”. 

Does that mean you're using Stage 4 people to impress someone else?  Of course! Remember that these girls have already friendzoned you.  You might as well channel that energy into a positive asset.