I think they're a particularly sad species of douchebag.
Mostly, the pickup artist thing is less about sex and more about these guys trying desperately to affirm their misogyny is true and that it's not their fault they're desperate. I suppose some of those "tricks" I've heard do work, or at least can work, but they're all aimed at women with low self-esteem, likely because any other kind of woman terrifies guys like that. Any woman with any degree of self-confidence is going to be fairly resistant to some tool in a funny hat trying to subtly insult her.
Don't get me wrong, I think every woman should read about pick-up artist tricks...so they can shut these guys down. At least that way, these guys will be entertaining.
"some tool in a funny hat trying to subtly insult her" This one made me laugh because I have so met that guy! He was wearing a pharaoh's hat and criticizing me for not wearing a Halloween costume. (I preferred the short dress I'd chosen anyway)
I have a surefire way to shoot down potential pick up artists. lol. It is mean though. One time this little fellow walked up to me and just started spitting the grossest, most sexist pick up lines I had ever heard. I'm not even sure if I would call them that. Even though I do believe in hooking up with your partner, I smiled really big and I loudly declared( right in front of his buddy group) that I did not believe in sex before marriage. The color drains from his face. He asks me to repeat that. lol. Bad mistake. I repeat loudly again that I don't believe in sex before marriage. He and his buddies scram after complaining about me being a snotty lying tease, although I had not said another sentence to them other than my "don't believe in sex line." lol. What was so grand about it though was everyone in the building turned and just stared at them, so they got their cocky asses burnt. Plus I got to meet guys that weren't just interested in one night stands and who applauded me brushing those perves off. One of those nice guys I met I have been seeing for 2 years now. :)
*Read the Pick Up Artists Sites* and ask questions of our Reformed Player, do any searches* at least for the knowledge component.