I think this overlooks a good many points. For example, the "being the initiator is always better" claim would be more accurately framed "having been the initia

I think this overlooks a good many points. For example, the "being the initiator is always better" claim would be more accurately framed "having been the initiator is always better". The data completely ignores the downsides because it only looks at the potential results, not the path to get those results. Yes, if you're willing to face repeated rejection, if you're willing to bother people who aren't interested in you and ignore the guilt of having done so, then it's better to be the initiator.