http://www.salsaweb.com/salsafreak/edie.htm

Hi Edie this is in response to your answer to Lil' Etiquette:

Dear Edie,
What is proper etiquette? The man to lead the way to the dance
floor or the gal?
Hmmm? Let me know.
Lil' Etiquette

The simple rule is that the woman goes first except in uncontrolled
situations. On the way to the floor, the man leads the way because he
is making a path to the dance floor. If the floor is close, like they
are sitting at a table at the edge of the floor then she can step onto
the floor first. But if they have to navigate through the crowd then
he clears the way.

The other easy exception is that the man is always below the women
when on stairs, so that if she falls she can land on him.

Otherwise, the woman goes first. Your explanation of why the woman
wouldn't go first is a good one, but the etiquette rule stems from
control of the environment not who is "pushy".

The same reasoning applies to opening the car door for your woman: you
don't leave a woman standing outside the car while you get in, nor do
you stay in the car while she gets out. First of all, you're leaving
her exposed to all kinds of nasty people, and second, she may appreciate
your assistance in getting in/out of the car while wearing a tight
dress and heels.

-Jason

Thank you Jason!  Couldn't have said it better myself!  
- Edie, The Salsa FREAK