In regards to etiquette, I think it is a great thing to have any how. It shows consideration, and it does not need to be only towards women.

- Opening Doors - It is just nice to do.
- Pulling out chairs and allowing someone to sit down first - Ditto
- Stepping back and giving way(when they are walking faster, or shuffling along trying to get to some place, and one is on the way) to ladies, gentlemen and especially to elders - It just shows that you are paying attention to your surroundings and acknowledging their existence.

I don't see it as "protecting", merely an acknowledgement of another person being there, and performing actions to show that they are not a non-entity.

It is why I nod/bow, smile and wave, or even say good morning/afternoon/evening to people that pass by.

Am I missing the point of your post?

As a woman approaches a door, a man opens it and holds it for her to go through. As she does, she huffs,"You don't have to open the door for me just because I'm a lady."

To which the man replies, "I did not open the door because you are a lady. I opened it because I am a gentleman."

I'd say chivalry isn't dead. It may have evolved a bit, to be less, as you say, condscending or protective, but I think good manners are good manners.

but I don't see that as a gendered thing. If I'm biking and get caught in a thunderstorm, for example, I'd like to know that my husband will come bail me out and give me a lift home in the truck if I ask. But I'd do the same for him without attaching the label chivalrous or protective to my actions.

to the door first opens it and holds it for people coming immediately after. I think both genders should be protective of each other and most people that I know are protective of each other, men and women.

i'm a woman (and fierce feminist), but i don't mind if a man opens the door or pulls our a chair for me as i do the same thing.

unrelated to this post. I am somewhat a feminist also (but probably not as fierce as you. lol.)
Why is it that every time I post about the abuse of women in the middle east, I am met with a
stone wall of silence? Either that, or i get "Yeah, but in America...blah... blah.." It's a very serious issue
but seems almost taboo on DU. Can't understand it.

topics like that might gain traction in the feminist group (and women's rights and issues, to a lesser extent), but no so much in gd for some unknown reason. now, i have to add the caveat that i don't spend much time in gd.

but i agree that it is a topic that is worthy of discussion and attention.

Inside and out.

...a person can open a door for a female/male and not think that "Me strong person..Tarzan learn fast"
I open up doors, do things for strangers, smile at people and don't think anything about it. (Well, there once was this brunette with violet eyes that...nevermind) Anyway, I'm actually surprised when somebody does NOT act like a decent human being and open doors, stop elevators for me (from closing), say excuse me if they bump me.
Also, on dates, I'm glad to have the woman offer to pay. I usually say no but if pressed..Be my Guest! And you know what? MOST men are like me. I'm not some special dude.

Last sad thing: I've had women snap at me for holding a door open. My thoughts go to: Who in the hell fucked you over so bad.

...as if they are inferior to men and can't look out for their own interests. To some degree it also suggests that women have less of a need to be self reliant because a 'chivalrous' man will be there to take care of them.

The whole idea may be filled with good intentions, but it's really a vestige of a patriarchal system that needs to die if both genders are to be considered truly equal.

and don't feel threatened by it at all, if we are secure in ourselves.