The way I saw it and still see it... the upfront investment is actually increasing the odds of a financial savings.
How long would it take to spend $1,500 on dates that go nowhere?
How much would another divorce cost?
For something as important as an R, it is money well spent. It is less than a good vacation. It is equal to a really good set of golf clubs. It is far less than tuition for university or braces for your kids.
Again, the investment in an intro service was not a guarantee.... just a way that I felt pre-screened better and increased the odds... which seemed to work out for me.
(BTW... I am glad to say she is smokin' hot! If I may say so.)