Maybe I ask you what you are looking for as a way to start a conversation. Some people have in their profile that they are looking for new friends. Sometimes they really mean they want someone to be a friend first with the hope or expectation of it developing to something more. Some just truly want a friend and nothing more. So that question gives them a chance to expand on what they want without writing a life story in the profile. Yes I do read profiles and it is very annoying when you know someone has just clicked yes on your profile picture without reading profile. Men and women both do this. I have discovered that the women that take the initiative to send the first message are the ones that are most willing to meet. So yes be cautious about some of the questions being asked but don't just assume we are all scammers.