Why is thirty the magic number? Because it's a nice rounded number? I did put a benchmark at 24, but there is nothing fancy about that number. Maybe it's 25 or 26. Maybe it is thirty.
The point is, there shouldn't be a magic number. All I know is that drinking is unhealthy and the body breaks down sooner than later. Better to stop now than later. That's not to say quit and be sober forever. I will never give up or pass on a beer. But I know that having a beer isn't going to be worth it unless I am surrounded by the right people and right situation.
Drinking a beer may ease your tensions upon making an approach no question. But guys need to understand the environment and the facts. Guys will outnumber girls 2/3 to 1 at most pubs. These chicks will be extra selective with this sample size. The guys with top notch form and technique might be successful. From my point of view, I generally get shot down the minute I slur or fumble a word in conversation, and can't articulate myself (which I struggle with even when I'm sober). So yeah, I guess I can't compete and therefore have given up on the bar scene. Other guys may have a lot more success. But I stand by my previous post and believe the cons far outweigh the pros when it comes to finding relationships at your local pubs.