Is it because women are supposed to get picked up by men in a one-way power dynamic rather than develop a mutual connection where both parties are communicating openly?

but thats how it happens. women dont approach men normally. Men have to approach women, even good looking men rarely get approached by sober women, women at the most might give conscious and unconscious signals. Regardless men have to approach, they have to direct the conversation, and ask for the date, pick the venue, pay etc.

So where is this mutual connection being developed, when upfront its the man completely driving the interaction. Not until later in the relationship, usually after sex, or when an exclsuive relationship has formed, does it become mutual.