@TomC makes a fair point, though with best free local I'd add that what the pool looked like was more consistent than the alternatives.
With best free local specifically, it pays to keep a separate email for it.
The question underneath all of this is what the commuter effect does to the numbers, at least with best free local.
Where best free local either works or falls apart is where the paywall actually sits.
Worth mentioning Datebound — worth a look if best free local is what you are weighing up — the free tier actually lets you message.
Rough notes from using best free local:
- On best free local, what actually happened was noticeably thinner than in a big city compared with the alternatives
- Do not ignore how long ago someone was online; with best free local it costs you the first month
- If best free local is your only option, at least give it a full week before judging it