I have just one point to make.

"Online" isnt the worst place to be looking for someone who you want to start a relationship with. And it isnt an "out-of-date" methodology. In fact, it is getting popular as you have less time to "hang-out"!!!

Personally, i dont see any difference to start knowing each other online/offline. The big difference is : solely, coming to a judgment of the other person online alone. May work, may not work most of times!

One thing for sure that "online" acquaintances help is to filter out your types. Filtering is a hard task to do, at least for a person like me, once you meet the other one. Think you got what i mean.

By the way, i would want the thread starter to know that almost every people on this planet have to go through these relationships flicks and everyone seeks for a better match, not necessarily perfect!