I have used several sites in different times: Match, E Harmony, Perfectmatch, and Yahoo. I rate Yahoo quite high. They have a personality report that was spot on for me, suggested certain types for my type. Regarding the fake ads or spams, those are very easy to spot. I mean how many attractive 27 yos are going to be interested in a 54 yo, even if I'm good looking, youthful, fit, and intelligent?

My advice to men (and perhaps women as well) using these sites, is to be realistic, take stock of yourself. That doesn't mean you have to aim low, but even if you are a youthful middle age and figure you can physically and sexually keep up with 30 somethings forget it, they won't be interested. In fact I've frustrated myself pursuing attractive 40 yos, they are at a different point in life (often have kids), and so am I. In fact my criteria anymore is someone who remembers where they were when Kennedy was shot, as they grew up in the same culture and world.

I've found that all these sites (wouldn't recommend E Harmony but for different reasons), have plenty of attractive, real women in that group, and I find them responsive. Quickly move to meet and greets (the idea) though, don't linger on and on with phone calls and e mailing (not the idea, ineffective). And if someone doesn't get off the dime, move on, don't waste a lot of time on any one prospect. Both Perfectmatch and Yahoo have the personality reports, that enhance the odds of hitting it off with any prospect, it's a great feature, that also saves your time and energy, as I have found the worst situation is to be with someone that is mutually hot chemistry wise, but is a dead end personality wise, have learned through hard expereince to avoid that one.