I think that part of the problem is that people are not taught to think about how the apps algorythm influences results and that it is not designed to find a partner, but for the users to go back to the app. That is why it is visual and favours one night stands.

Also, the people in the app is not representative of population. It is a self selected sample in a limited setting.

To put an example: In an app I selected my settings to see only men 5 years younger or older than me. But my settings didn't affect to which men I did appear, so consistently, there were men 10, 15 or even 20 years older than me swiping right on me. Their profiles showed as "potential matches" and were offered to swipe right or left. Since they were outside my age preferences, it is no surprise I swipe left on those. Well, those men that were outside my age scope counted as "swipe left" in my stats. My rate for the men who actually were in a similar age than me and that also comply with my other settings (like living in the same city) was much higher.

But people aren't show the percentage of "swipe" left that comply with your preferences, just the total. And many preferences aren't that complicated. Sometimes are just about age, location and a few hobbies. They could probably reduce the "swipe left" by hidding profiles of women who have already told in their settings that they don't want men much older than them or from other cities. But then again, the app bussiness is to show many women to the men who are willing to pay, which are usually the older men. And some of those much older men would pay premium in irder to talk to you even if you swiped left. And then get angry if you didn't answer, because "they paid" and, deep down, they don't see you as another person/user with the same rights as them, they see you as a product they have paid for.

The fact is that if you want the apps to work for you, the first step is to accept rejection as a sort of "filter". If they don't like you, it is better that they swipe left and don't waste your time. And if you want better chances, try to use pictures that show the things you like and make you happy. Also, use the other fields to offer information about you and to filter potential profiles and reduce "false positives" (people who won't like you in person or would ghost you). But yes, approaching in person is a good idea as long as you are respectful.