It feels great to be pursued. I've experienced both scenarios with guys that I have been into: both when the guy was actively pursuing me, and then when it felt like he stopped putting in effort and I started to pick things up. Second scenario does NOT feel good. Initiating calls when you were only picking them up/returning, suggesting dates when all you had to do is accept, showing affection first when the guy was the one leading
NOTTTTT a good feeling. Less anxiety when being pursued, less potential for rejection. Less strategizing, too.
And I totally agree with the poster who said that when a man really likes you, he will be overjoyed when you take initiatives for smaller gestures. Have also experienced both sides: the amorous contender who thanks you profusely for calling to say hello, and the pretend-amorous-contender one who is pretty much nonchalant. Yeah... not a good feeling.
In some cases, it very much has to do with the man's personality. It seems that some Alpha males like to be the only initiators in the relationship. Once you reciprocate, they start acting funny... that's a major red flag, too. Pretend-amorous-contenders who are all talk, and once they sense you are starting to buy into their words, start acting funny.
Really, it just feels better to be pursued. I know in my case, I feel that my femininity is heightened in those situations. As has been stated on several occasions in this thread, there is extreme value in a woman put herself in the view of the gentleman who catches her fancy. Let him see you and that you have acknowledged him, and if he catches on and approaches you, great. If he doesn't... just another day.
OP, I'd highly recommend this book: How to make someone love you forever in 90mins or less. Sounds wacky... super wacky title, yet the book truly isn't about that. I discovered it at a bookshop for $4 a few years back and liked it so much that I bought it. It's about discovering one's qualities, getting social, tips on how to enhance chemistry, how to reveal oneself to others in various degrees (low risk, medium risk, high risk), etc. It's great.