Yes tact should have been used and a comment such as the one you quote speaks to the true intent of the author (IMO). It is not about the money, it is about the message. There was a time when men courted women, and after reading this thread, it is no longer perceived in the positive light as it once was by a lot of men and women on this thread. Said another way, chivalry is dead, spread um honey.
I don’t get it. Doing everything he can to maximize the quality of her evening somehow isn’t chivalrous? her part of chivalry (as recipient thereof) is to review & consent how it’s all paid for? I was raised to think he ensures a good evening is had, and he ensures she doesn’t have to fuss about how it’s achieved. (And your “spread um” comment is really outta line.)