I can't speak for others, but a phone call or a video chat is a good idea to see if conversation is interesting and fluid with the other person. I mean, if a phone or video call goes well, you can consider a date. If it is uncomfortable, awkward or doesn't quite work for any reason, you save time and money.

Dates are expensive on both sides, it makes perfect sense to "get a feeling" of the other person before going to a date. And yes, it is a two way, as it should. If for whatever reason someone doesn't like what they hear or see, it is better to find out rather sooner than later, when you have your hopes up and have spend money on a new dress, a restaurant or whatever.

For me makes perfect sense to have a video chat (also, video chat have "no filters" like pictures XD). The part about being ruthless is in fact dramatic. But if you substitute that for "honest with yourself" about your needs and wants, you might get something practical out of that advice. And it works borth ways.