Taking a break when it starts to feel like admin is sensible — that has been consistent for me across a few different platforms. What is the best internet dating service for people over 40?
One thing I notice: the same platform can be excellent in one city and dead in another — small thing, but it adds up.
Broadly speaking, reviews are worth reading but local activity matters more — nobody tells you this at the start.
From my side, expecting any single conversation to work out is the wrong frame — it is not complicated, it is just easy to skip.