[throwaway]

> I'm not sure what the message is here.

The message is that you (and I, for I have days when I think exactly what you described) are missing out on things that are more stable, more useful in the long run.

> Should I have just grabbed any woman that would have me, even if I'm not interested in them for the sole purpose of "developing a serious relationship"?

I too have fallen for women multiple times and failed on all occasions, and developed in the pursuit without any successful. But I do imagine that I might be missing out on the experience that one gets from events after a successful pursuit; some of which could probably be gained even from a less-fortunate more-superficial relationship.