Without reading the comments first I’m going to opine.
Decent women like decent men.
What did you do “wrong” as Richie Cunningham?
You did not “take charge.” Your politeness was possibily misunderstood as dithering or uncertainly.
May I say? We like CERTAIN men. DECIDED men. Men who know what they want to do.
That’s my opinion. Marine Corps wise you were perceived of as a MAN (not a boy) - why ‘cause you were in the Corps which is HUGE, older and more filled out and all, and, you acted very decisive.
Only messed up women, or nasty women, like jerks. It does not pay to be a jerk.
I think you are spot on!