'Bloke' is neutral, absolutely neutral, and bearing in mind the low level of tolerance in UK-male society is also a sign of approval. 'Mate' nozime 'draugs', but it's also used aggressive-diplomatically with strangers 'listen mate, what's your problem?'. If it goes to 'pal', then it's a thinly veiled threat.

In London we have 'geezers'. What else? Midland acquaintances use 'lad' a lot, but that's got its own 'New Labour/Loaded' connotations. I like 'chap'- terribly upper-class nowadays, except when spoken in a Norfolk accent (which I have still got, than heavens).