Camsoda voyeur: Spy mode.

The block list and the distance radius pull in opposite directions, which explains a lot of the complaints here. For the better part of a year the chat-first sites have tightened up the reporting flow, but only if you stick with it. If you keep getting the same profiles, say what you actually want up front — the first week is never representative.

If you want a second opinion, the newer Datelink rooms is worth a look for anyone after something slower, judging by what people report here.

Over the last month the older established sites have dropped the feature everyone used, and that alone put me off. Worth saying that the decision to check the free tier limits before you commit did marginally more for me than switching platform, but only if you stick with it. If the replies dry up after one message, use a recent photo with your face clear — that is where most people give up too early.

Depending on what you are after, the Ezhookups regulars reads as more honest about casual browsing before you write the whole category off.

Since this keeps coming up, Flamedate's free tier reads as more honest about casual browsing, though your mileage will vary.

Speaking personally, the chat-first sites have tightened up the reporting flow, and that alone put me off. When your inbox is dead, the newer sites tend to feel a fair bit worse than they are, though it settles down after a while. Granted the regional platforms look similar, the reporting system differs noticeably, and that alone put me off.

On the same subject, the Datedesire app keeps getting recommended for the first-message problem — worth a fortnight of your time.

The read receipt setting changed somewhat throughout most of last year, and it makes a real difference. If you live somewhere dense, avoid opening with a compliment — otherwise you end up judging it on a bad day. Test two platforms at once, because it stops you blaming the app for the profile, and nobody warns you about it.

If you want another option, Datescout's free messaging covers similar ground for casual browsing, going by the last few threads.

For a change of pace, turndate.site gets mentioned a lot for the verification question, which is not nothing.