companionship
Without sex - Men get better companionship from other men, especially those men not controlled by women.
similar salary to grow a retirement together (both 6 figures)
Sooner or later women always take more off of the table, then they ever put on it. Men as a group are the net positive tax payer. Women as a group are net negative tax payers. When marriage is involved, women can check out for the cash and prizes at any time.
something cute/funny to interact with
A dog fills that role.
a soft space to be ourselves.
A man can never be himself around a women. Women do not allow it. Men try and learn the hard way that it's not ok.
I just read so much interesting things here,
Then you should already know what I've already posted. You're just a chameleon.