I disagree - sounds like a % play in each case. My issue is thinking that on-line, to me, may put you into a pool of people with less to offer who are more desperate. Sure there are some gems out there, but the ratio of gems to desperate people (who are desperate for a reason, in most cases) is far worse in on-line dating ads than just running around in real life. Lowered expectations isn't comparing one site to another - it's talking about the idea that you've given up and started trying really hard to meet someone instead of just letting it happen.