I kind of think men just like women period. However any variation these see turns them on. Of women do something different, then they’re sexy. My ex husband used to comment on how hot he thought butch lesbians were. Their masculinity was a turn on to him. It almost felt like a challenge to him-and queer folks are often seen as edgy. So that woman who rocks a bit a masculinity comes off as masculine is just more hot-and relatable because she knows about guy stuff. I think the pick me culture is a bit around trying to tap into this dynamic by having a few traits gouts find relatable.
Personally I’ve known a number of ultra butches who get lots of attention from men, both positive and negative. Negative as in “I want you m but you’re clearly not going to be into me so I want you more and now I’m mad you’re not going to want me back” and positive as in they are still trying. Oddly my husband who was really into such lesbians, did want them to dress more femme, but was also turned in that they weren’t. I think the old saying of they were just doing something different-a little less typical feminine expression, yet they were also hot, just gets attention. It always feels like men think it’s somehow all about them. Oh you’re femme? How hot! Oh you’re a little butchy, that turns me in, it must be for me!