I did one and a half today in streets around Oxford Street. The first one was a proper one and she was elated. I dried up though after the compliment and so she said have a good day and walked on. The second one I put the brakes on as I came level with her and opened from the side. So she didn't stop walking but gave a good response.

They were both walking fast. The first one gave me eye contact and a smile as she passed me so that's why I had to go after her. The second one was on the other side of the road and quite far ahead by the time I decided to do the approach.

I've probably done about 4 approaches today that were head-on. Two of them actually got a fright. Two other didn't stop. Whatever you say about it the yad stop imo it's effective in allowing you to start an interaction, though obviously it's not the only way. You can find what works for you in certain circumstances.