I find it funny that two recent reviews have somehow morphed my admission that my looks are at the high end of average to that I have model looks. I'm very average - I actually think I look kind of dorky, but I certainly don't have characteristics that disqualify me from recieving matches (I'm about 6'0"/190) based on my physical characteristics.

As to recieving matches, I benefit from both being a professional and living in a large metropolitan area. It seems EHarmony works less well for people in the more rural parts of the US - people that would seem to need the service more than those that lived in population centers.

Assuming scarcity of matches due to geographic anomolies is not your problem, the comment I've been reading a lot of is "I'm an intelligent, attractive guy, yet I rarely get dates." I hear you, brotha, believe me. Having been through that experience, it's hard to get a grasp of the fact that holding the interest of someone of the opposite sex is just as much a skill as accounting, engineering, sales or truck driving. The people you see (i.e. "jerks") that seem to have natural ability with this skill, just work at it more, and build on their experiences. EHarmony and other dating sites only enhance this lack of skill by stripping away any physical warmth and charisma you may have and forcing you to sink or swim based on your words.

I also see a lot of complaints that men get closed out after communication starts, but before "open communication" is reached. Two answers to this - first, use the "fast-track" feature to send them email immediately. Of course, you risk them not being a member at not being able to respond, but them's the breaks. Another important thing to consider when making your profile and sending your responses, as crystallized in the film Swingers, is "you've got to stop talking to them about puppy dogs and ice cream". Do not be at all deferential in your profile - i.e. writing things you thing women will like. Be creative and funny. The goes double for open communication.

In short, I think my appearance has had a lot less to do with my success than some people here have expressed. I think it's much more important to use a lot of creativity in creating your profile, knowing how to make yourself sound interesting to the opposite sex, and being (or appearing to be) interesting during open communication.