I've been thinking quite a bit about this since reading
this thread in 
ucdavis and here's my two cents. According to www.dictionary.com the definition of chivalry is:
chiv·al·ry
n. pl. chiv·al·ries
1. The medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood.
2. a. The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women.
b. A manifestation of any of these qualities.
3. A group of knights or gallant gentlemen.
and also:
n 1: courtesy towards women [syn: gallantry, politesse] 2: the medieval principles of knighthood
Seriously, what is wrong with men being courteous towards women? Granted, I'm not a feminist, but I think that men and women can be equals and have chivalry still remain intact. Regardless of its historical connection to rich women being considered too "delicate" to do things for themselves, this is the year 2006 and definitions, expectations, and ideals have changed. A lot. Often times for the worst. If we can retain something good like men treating women with respect and courtesy, I don't see a problem. There are a lot of things that are historically associated with "bad ideas": homosexuality was once listed in the DSM as a mental illness, being disabled was once a cause for killing children or withholding life-saving medical assistance, and it was once considered okay by some to massacre millions of people (this refers to multiple events). Times have changed, and so have people's perceptions of things. Some would call this progress. So why can't chivalry be something GOOD today, despite its historical connections? And I rather like the connection to knights and knighthood and the romantic vision I have of that. It makes me think of men as noble (and I don't mean of the noble class, I mean " Having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor").
If some guy were to hold open a door for me or give up his seat on a bus, my first thought is definitely not "OMG you think you're superior to me and that I'm too delicate to do things myself-- you are clearly trying to oppress me as a woman." It's more like "Wow, thank you. And thank your mom/dad/grandparents/whomever raised you, because they did a damn good job." There isn't enough chivalry in this world if you ask me.
When my boyfriend holds the door for me, pulls out my chair, etc. that doesn't strike me as demeaning or that he thinks that I can't do it myself. It means two things: that his parents did a good job raising him and that he loves and respects me enough to do the little things for me. It means that he thinks that I'm special enough as a person to take the time to do them for me. The same applies for other men who hold doors and give up their seats. It means that they respect me and think that I'm worth giving up their seat for-- whether they know me or not. I don't think they're trying to impress me in order to get my phone number or sway my opinion on their level of attractiveness--- I think that they are kind people and good citizens. And if that makes me a bad person/woman, then so be it. I would never consider a guy to be a bad person or hold it against them if they did not hold doors, etc. but I can appreciate the fact that there are guys out there willing to make an effort.
Call me old fashioned, but there's nothing better than a guy with manners and respect for women (and this doesn't imply women as the 'fairer sex', but rather women as people who deserve respect).