[dcldcl]

Depends on the relationship/partner goals. There are people looking for more short term situations which will probably keep them on the site.

But yeah for those interested in more long term relationships, that's what happens. I cancelled my subscription after I went exclusive with someone.

Consider the goals for a dating website. Finding "the one" is hard; there's just too many factors. Even if you could put all the data gathering on the web for that, how many people would want to do it?

However, if a site is enabling the user to meet more people (and the right kind), I think they're delivering the most value they realistically can.

Value is in the eye of the beholder...