@imtranscending

I've just been calculating my odds of having a friendship or growing a connection with those around me and I realize that kind of asshole game has been self-sabotaging.

That's not who I am. I want to radiate positivity, AND be good at game. I've been loosing myself in the process, and now it's time to take many steps back. No need for these game flourishes, just basic basic shit.

Remember that the way you already "naturally" are isn't working for you either. Growing your personality and repertoire of behaviors outside your current patterns always feels contrived and foreign at first. Keep going outside your comfort zone and trying new things and adjusting/calibrating according to results. What feels contrived at first becomes "natural" eventually, and your performance at it improves as you internalize it and don't have to use so much inner attention and processing in the moment.

Earlier today I asked a girl (5-6) from class to walk around with me. She was nervous and shy, but we spoke. I just ran very basic game, and wanted to be connected with someone at least momentarily.

That's good, keep doing this kind of thing ESPECIALLY while you are in college. You won't find a better pool of candidates after your last year of it!

I tried being nicer, but as soon as I got playful, called me and asshole and said "I don't like you." It wasn't a negative inflection (I don't think), but it was not what I wanted to hear in that moment.

This was almost certainly a shit test, not a neg, and you failed it by taking it at face value and socially folding/crumbling rather than maintaining frame. Keep calibrating and trying, this too will get smoother with more iterations and experience.

They're also all so different, blue pilled, and into video games or lack a self-improvement drive (which is important to me). We gotta have something in common.

You can usually find something in common with any group you find yourself jammed together with, usually external and circumstantial. This is the basis and social function of "small talk." Maybe study stand up comedy to up your banter game. Practice and calibrate small talk also, it is a learnable and refinable social skill that will spill over into success in pickup and dating.

@imtranscending

I'm getting looks and IOIs from 14yo girls

These are sexual maturity newbies who suddenly realized they hold power over men, but have no idea how to wield and manage it, so they are testing this newfound power haphazardly. Assume they will react with wild unpredictability if a much older guy actually responds, because they mostly have no idea what the next steps are. Treat them as little sisters with solid aloof frame and observers will respect you for this. If you take the bait, observers might intervene violently and this can have long term legal and social consequences.

I (mid 50s) recently shared a meal with a neighbor and visitors. He (a pastor) later remarked the 14ish girl later asked if I was married or something. I wasn't paying attention to her in the moment, and played off the conversation with ignorant indifference. Not sure if/how the neighbor was testing me, but I didn't return interested or predatory vibes. Point of this is to confirm what OP is saying, these young girls can act damn bold nowadays.