I would view online dating as a way to have a sure date every Saturday night as long as you can tolerate the whackos from time to time. Do not take in personal and don't expect to find your soul mate, at some point in time you might be pleasantly surprised but if you don't count on it you wont be disappointed. Just enjoy yourself.
I would avoid developing long term mailing relationships over time and get right to the safe meet as soon as realistic. Do the meet for coffee thing during the day before you commit to a Saturday night date. Be ready for several of these coffee meets before you meet a potential night date, just in case. Keep your own info close to your chest for these first meets and remember dating is not a contact sport, no helmets or padding is required if done safely.