Interesting post, dumbfounded and I can certainly relate to your own experience. I actually had women email, message (on FB) and even call me (in Nepal). It was really awkward and the reason is something that we could all relate to - we all know what the purpose is, we're just trying to complete the formalities (subject to the two of us clicking, that is). 

From my own personal experience, I could say that it was even worse to meet in real, maybe because I just wasn't ready and willing. Matter of fact, I was emotionally blackmailed to meet these women and the convos were really awkward. "So what do you do for fun?", "What kind of music do you listen to?", "What are your career plans?" yada yada. How'd I know that she'd not be bitching at me for watching soccer all morning on Saturdays and Sundays like I normally do? 

In any case, I'd much rather talk/meet a stranger, make friends and then one day propose to her if she'd marry me. But like you've agreed and I've already said, clicking is important. Compromising a few things here and there after marriage is understandable and probably a necessity.

But I'd rather, I knew my wife-to-be well enough before she waled down the aisle instead of discovering/knowing her after getting married.