Lots of men are dumb. I say this having been a man for a long time.

They try to date women with whom realistically they have no shot.

I would bet that your first example is this guy.

So what he really means is: Why won't the really hot girls date me?

Answer: They have better options.

I must say that my friends and I appreciated these guys. They made us look better.

IMHO, it is easier for men than for women. For men, if you have your sh*t together, are reasonably fit, have a job.... voila! You are a catch.

Pretty low bar.