Granted sites that skip verification look similar, the reporting system differs considerably, but it is not the disaster people claim. Broadly speaking, the matching algorithm is the thing that decides it, granted the newer sites rarely say so.
My advice would be to move to a proper conversation quickly and then read the last few pages of a thread before asking, and nobody warns you about it. For what it's worth, I'd read the last few pages of a thread before asking rather than use a recent photo with your face clear, since it saves a lot of wasted evenings.
From what I've seen, I'd keep your expectations low for the first fortnight rather than check the free tier limits before you commit, since that is the part that actually moves the needle. In my experience, if you are after something serious the answer is usually to avoid opening with a compliment rather than keep your expectations low for the first fortnight.