Does persistence and loyalty mean anything to women?

I'm kind of asking for people in their early to mid 20s. Say you've known the guy for several years and he's always been nice and supportive and friendly... all of that. You know he doesn't have an obsessive crush on you, but also know that he'd date you if you started to express a little interest. Maybe there's some occional flirtatiousness thrown in there by both parties every now and then. Would you ever give that guy a chance or is it just something where you bury them deeper and deeper into the friendship zone as time goes by.