As much as your point about the potential discomfort of pick-up lines might be accurate, Nikhil is not suggesting that all women respond positively to this kind of approach. He's just saying that it's possible some women might be surprised and pleased by the change from the standard "Can I have your number?" To imply that Nikhil's essay is reductive is UrRong - if anything, his essay was simply suggesting that it's worth a shot! After all, one never knows - it might lead to a charming date and memories that will last a lifetime.