You are correct. The problem is that, for most women, misogyny on the part of men is the default assumption. In far too many cases, it is a merited assumption. But not always. The bottom line is that men can’t assume that women will see a remark intended to be admiring and in no way predatory or dismissive of her worth as a human being as being meant in a positive way. Going back to how we began this exchange, MILF can never acceptable-unless, perhaps, a woman calls herself that. I admit I have never met such a woman.