"Contrary to popular American male belief, pretty much everything in life is more important than being able to go to a bar and talk to a woman you don't know."
That may as well be; but not being able to initiate a meaningful conversation with a stranger won't get you into a relationship (if that's what one desires, of course). Once you get out of college and move to a strange town, it's very hard to strike up friendships; especially so if one is a shy person.
Not really if you approach it correctly. Find people that share interests with you, that enjoy same things you enjoy, etc. - internet makes that much easier. Visit places where such people assemble. Chances are you will encounter some people that you enjoy keeping company with. Then you will discover when you are in a suitable company, you're not shy at all.
That is true, but talking with a strange (presumably attractive) woman at a (presumably crowded and loud) bar is at the most uncomfortable extreme of the average shy man's social comfort scale. Friendships and relationships are important, but there are plenty of ways to pursue them that are at the other end of that scale.
That may as well be; but not being able to initiate a meaningful conversation with a stranger won't get you into a relationship (if that's what one desires, of course). Once you get out of college and move to a strange town, it's very hard to strike up friendships; especially so if one is a shy person.