I can see how you come about this view. I'm not sure I share it. I don't think that the Orthodox men think women are not fully human. I'm not even convinced they see women as LESS. I think it's based in a worldview where men and women inhabit very different spheres. I can see the reluctance to touch women as being very protective and respectful of women.

I don't know if that's the case, as zahav, lj user="purplerifka">, and comodulate are my Judaism experts, rather than me. But I can see it.