Hi this is pretty much about my sticking point, I can usually open well (occasionally I crash and burn but thats usually due to breaking one of the basic rules) and can usually get into conversations off the back of my opener but I keep getting stuck at this point.
I think it is basically because I am very aware of trying to avoid fluffing and sounding like an AFC with the standard "what course are you doing? blah blah blah" and so I think I try to kinda keep to my strategy.

So yeah guys, is fluffing ok?, how long does an average set last? and is it worth slipping into old habits to continue the natural and linear feel of a conversation?

sorry for the inquisition at the end but I am fairly new to sarging and want to get my game as tight as I can

MHH, to begin, if you approach a beautiful girl with confidence, you're not an AFC at her eyes. you can talk about school, but make sure you are funny and interesting. That's the problem of AFC 's they are not interesting! and low confidence

yup I can usually work negs and DHV into these standard sorts of conversations
For example if I am talking about courses I will say didn't you fancy doing a real course, which sounds harsh but as soon as they find out I do music it is made up for