Every person, and every couple, has/have different approaches when (re)entering the dating scene (and yes, encounters are 'dates'--planned time with others). Your approach is as valid as the next.
That said, " Intimacy without attraction defeats part of fantasy that we are just exploring, physical attraction doesn’t guarantee compatibility. We don’t even read profiles if the picture doesn’t strike us, we hope our picture attracts like searchers."
Physical attraction might begin with appearance but for most people also includes how people present themselves, carry themselves, look after themselves. Profiles (and their photos) are a calling card, an opportunity to make a first impression. That first impression may or may not be borne out. We have met couples whose profile photos are 10 years old and bear little resemblance to current size, shape, appearance. We have also met handsome and fit couples who choose to obscure their appearance on profiles precisely because they think compatibility and interest lie begins with "who they are" and not what they look like.