So, about the claim that eharmony floods you with matches right before your membership expires... well, I think it's true. But, I don't think it's a maliciously calculated move. You see, they send emails out to addresses in their database with a promo code every month that expires near the beginning of the month. You can save a significant amount using this code (now a link).

This causes more memberships to begin within the last few days of the month than at any other time. Because of this you will get more matches than at any other time. This encourages people to sign up, extend their membership, or just generally be more active. If everyone on the site is encouraged to be more active at the same time, more matches/interest develop - which is good for everyone.

...so I do not think it's a conspiracy, just good business. They do want people to connect, and getting more paid members is a logical way to do it.

But that doesn't mean I give this site a high rating. My problems are as follows:

1) You can't continue talking to/processing a match after your membership expires. If you go through the entire process with someone it could take a month before you can actually make a decision to talk outside of the site. I view the membership as a fee to be matched, not to communicate.

2) The selection process is suspect. I've seen some personality profiles who in no way match mine. Also, in order to get people who match your criteria, you must select "very important" otherwise their "flexible matching" will give you someone you should easily eliminate.

3) They don't have a phase out for matches who have not been active for months. Don't give me a match if the person hasn't logged on for a year.

4) Once I join, how about helping me out by telling me who members are. I understand keeping it secret before, but come on. It would let me know why someone didn't respond or close me.

I'm sure people can meet through this site, and I'll try through the end of me membership. But they sure could change these things to make it better.