[joadha]

The "a bit off" feeling you described fades after a few more sessions.

When I meet people in real life, it's usually at a bar or club. It's not healthy to go out drinking every weekend, so there's one major advantage. Also, I get to meet people who don't go to bars and clubs (or, those that don't go to the ones that I frequent).

Avoiding rejection isn't really that much of a "plus" for me. But avoiding the BS of the occasional girl who plays you for free drinks, gets pulled away by a friend, etc. is a definite plus.

Another thing; I haven't had great luck with "being set up" with friends-of-friends. In my experience, it has never been a good match. Like, not even close.