I wonder if the site policy of not allowing new members to send message or to be SEEN by other members is just self- sabotage ? How many people come here , have no interaction , so they leave ? Whereas , why couldnt it be possible that they could actually be welcomed by other members and interacted with ? Why can't they only be allowed to message other people who message them first to avoid trolls etc ?
I think the idea is to limit access to new members so the site isn't over run with religious fanatics trying to mess the site up. The site has grown a great deal in its first year (site is almost a yar old now), so I don't think their policies are really hurting it.
It doesn't take long at all to reach- what is it, level 2? Just comment intelligently on a couple topics, even hitting the Like button a few dozen times will do it. But it takes a minimal investment of time. You have to show some commitment.
For my money, if you're just here for messaging, you'll be happier elsewhere anyway.
For ppl who come here mostly for dating prospects but arent allowed to see that there are actually local prospects then there's no incentive to stay or interact .
This site model will fail !