Hey Optimus.
Gonna hop in the shower after I write this up, but hopefully I could help you out in some way.
I understand that "double dip recession" that you feel like you're having. Total dry spell. It seems like I go through them every once in a while, then all of a sudden, pussy falls into my lap someway, somehow.
But whenever you're not getting laid or not getting results, it feels like you haven't been laid for your entire life and you feel like the biggest loser in the world. I understand. Things get really frustrating and you feel like this whole "pickup" thing isn't working.
From the sounds of it, it seems that you might not be pushing it hard whenever you get to the club. You might be going out, talking to people, but not really pushing the envelope (physically). Escalation is key to pulling.
I'm sure that there's something on this site dealing with Escalation and how to do it properly once you're into conversation with a girl.
----------
As for what I would consider some of your "inner game" issues....
Long story short: it's all in your head.
Looks don't really matter. In fact, if you have something different about you, a girl (or people in general) are more likely to remember you and you'll stick out in their memory more. Whatever you think is a curse might actually be a blessing in disguise.
We are the biggest critics of ourselves and we try to "project" our fears and insecurities about ourselves onto other people and we imagine what their dialogues is in *their* head.
For example, whenever I would approach certain girls, I'd be thinking to myself, "She's probably saying to herself, 'why is this tall random black guy talking to me in the middle of the street'" and that would just KILL results.
Girls can feel that insecurity, no matter how small. The smallest doubt about the smallest thing can lead to the biggest drop in your results with women. So it's best just to accept yourself 100% and be like, "fuck it, this is who I am".
This goes along with looks, personality, and any other issue. I'm starting to learn that self-acceptance is key to alot of these "inner issues" that we all have.
-----------
As for wingmen....you don't need them. I love to go solo all the time. It's like "Jack Bauer 24" style if you do (I'm hoping you're an American).
If your friends aren't really players, then don't worry about it. The more you go out, the more "players" you'll meet.
Game knows game. I've had guys come up to me because they know I'm into women and meeting them. They either usually see me running around the club causing chaos or they hear my sonic boom voice.
The more you go out, the more like minded people you'll find who love women and love meeting them.
But yeah.
Welcome to College Flirt:
-AR