[bichiliad]

I'm not sure I totally agree with your comments. In particular:

> Now if I push back an advance, they might get petty and decide to not hire me as some kind of revenge

I think this is precisely the reason that it's inappropriate, regardless of gender. Even if you (as a hypothetical VC) aren't going to be petty (and let's be honest, emotions are complicated and keeping feelings out of a decision is hard), you've put out the idea that your advances are somehow related to the recruitment process. This will totally make someone uncomfortable, especially when they're probably already sweating about the recruiting process.

[masondixon]

> This will totally make someone uncomfortable, especially when they're probably already sweating about the recruiting process.

But from a male perspective (in the hypothetical above), I don't see it at all. I only see it as positive, and I think most males would feel the same. If there were repeated advances, then it would get a bit frustrating. And if I didn't get the job after knocking back repeated advances, then I would definitely see who I could contact about it.