I think your problem is that you seem to see a girlfriend as someone your trying to be with just so she will have sex with you
Not really. I have refused sex in past ocassions from girls who were the agressors, the ones who "wanted it". I just didn't.

Sex has very little to do with a relationship I find. Once I've been with a girl for a few weeks/months the thrill of sex with them has long since died and you're concentrating on building a life together
Yeah, sex will die eventually.

If all you want is sex just go to the clubs and bars at the weekend. You don't need to pay them anything, today's modern women are sluts and hoes, at least a large percentage are.
That's right. That is why paying women with dinners/wine for sex or paying them straight out cold hard cash is not my thing. As old fashioned as it may sound and even cheesy/corny I rather have sex when married but to be convinced that marriage is something for me is a bit difficult unless I was a woman .

It kind of sounds to me though that you are just extremely shallow (nothing wrong with that really) and want to skip out on the part where you actually get to know each other and just get down to boning the shit out of them.
Nope, like I said, I have rejected sex from other girls that wanted it. Those girls are gorgeous, in good shape, etc. They asked me right there on the spot if I was sick, depressed, or if I was just gay. I told them that I simply didn't want to. That's it. So sex is just an extra really. I just want things to revolve around BOTH and not just her as tradition dictates it.

Most girls at least like to know it's them that you like, and not just the fact that they have some holes you want to fill
That's right. I also want to know they like me and not just have me as their free dinner, free movies/event, free handiman, free stuff, and wakling ATM.

Just consider the dates and meals as building comfort with her. She wants to know your intentions are more than just sex and that you're going to stick around after she's given herself up to you.
I agree and I wouldn't mind waiting until marriage if necessary. Would dates and meals work as comfort for her? Sure, why not. My girl taking me out on dates and meals FOR ME AS WELL works just the same. Both giving/contributing to the relationship in all aspects and not just me rowing the boat by myself.

Then there are other details where I wonder why its only the guy that has to do it even in the 2000s and even after all the complaining women do about equality: giving the ring, proposing, speeches to both families, and being honored and celebrated at the wedding as much as her. I would faint with a smile on my face if my girl did AT LEAST one of those.