I would argue that Dave from the accounting department has different “intention”.
If Dave were gay, there would be no issue would there? and why is that? because of the difference in intention!
I have been friends with girls all my life, I find it quite easy to be actually.
basically... what it comes down to is this.
Women are NOT dumb. Heck, when it comes to this type of stuff (reading peoples hidden intentions) most men are bumbling fools compared to women.
They KNOW when a man is just being friendly, and when he is trying to “come on” to them. And they can see through your excuse like a parent can see through a young childs attempt at a lie.
Are you a man who wants to be friends with a woman? then be a friend. But dont pretend you are friends when you actually want something entirely different.
The "57 Things" are basically a list made by a little girl telling the world "I don't want any man to show any interest in me unless I decide he's good enough, first!" That is, of course, not the way the world works - and women have to learn this early, or they are also in for a lifetime of problems.
Wearing a "Don't You EVER Talk to Me!" lapel pin to work would be an easier solution. :)
I never had any of these situations come up in the offices I worked in and I don't have them in my own company, today. It helps a lot to hire carefully and hire grown-ups, which is admittedly tougher for big companies with the Feds breathing down their necks. The "57 Things" never even occur if you do.