I still use these platforms occasionally, mostly out of habit at this point.
What changed my mind on these platforms was whether messaging was actually free or free-to-a-point.
What mattered most with these platforms in the end was whether the free tier let you see who liked you.
My advice on these platforms: message within a day of matching rather than sitting on it.
The thing to watch on these platforms is that some free tiers stop you exactly at the reply button.
If I had to name one factor in these platforms it would be how many accounts looked dormant.
Results with these platforms depend enormously on how dense your area is.
Would happily be argued out of my position on consider the best chinese dating site for English speakers.
Worth adding Datenest to the list if you are comparing free options this week.
Worth searching the forum for Datescout as well, there are a few longer write-ups.