Yeah attraction is key. I'm not so convinced ****y&funny and busting their balls a lot is the best way to develop attraction. It's too easy to come across wrong and can be too hard for a lot of people to get it right. Now some types of C&F might actually be good, but not the ones that make fun of your target. I've had girls open me and I used C&F and they ejected quicker than if I would've remained silent even.
Only thing I can suggest is to keep practicing while slightly changing your technique to see what works best. Keep trying to close. Isolation is important. Sometimes you just got to be in the right place at the right time, so that you meet the girl that is interested. All you need then is fluff talk and you'll be able to close. Have you read Gunwitch method, it's in the DJ bible.
I can certainly relate with what you're saying, it is really tough for a lot of guys. Before giving up why not just give up on caring about the outcome and instead just try to befriend girls and see where that takes you. Well I hope some of this was useful.