I never replied to anyone if they commented on my appearance in the first message. It wouldn't matter to me how eloquently it was worded, I associate comments on my appearance with 1) cat-calls 2) pick up artists 3) predators.

Especially if they didn't comment on anything else in my profile - I would put plenty there and if all they could comment on was how I looked then I'd assume they didn't even bother.

I wouldn't feel obligated to go "thanks for the compliment" anymore than I would acknowledge someone cat-calling me. I don't owe anyone my attention.

Have you broadened your age searches to include women your age?

dating sites are kinda like playing darts when you're blind.