[throwaway290]

> some big assumption

Sure, and that'd be my projection in this case;)

> "people are superficial and attracted to people who fit conventional beauty standards" is a fair null hypothesis

Most likely is that you are extrapolating from your experience. Average here is male middle class from US or EU. A real average person lives in an Asian country on 50 USD/month trying to make it in life.

The gene wants to carry on and in this world survivability is not up to the looks unless you are already middle class in a stable rich country. Perhaps you are not being cynical enough if you think the looks is what's important for >50% of users.