I agree partly with this. It's so subtle. You can be direct one moment then act as if you never said it and say something very bland right after. there's a contrast that gets attention. That can spike the attraction.

You just have to have the intuition of what's right at that moment. It can't be scripted or forced it should just happen in the moment. But you have to be direct if it's a cold approach imo. Not sure if a barmaid is a cold approach situation.

I never used to be direct with barmaids. I used to sit at the end of the bar and just fantasise. Now if I think they are hot I just say it to them off the bat. It's fine as long as you are not too pissed when you say it. They get the message and you feel better. You won't offend them they are used to it.