I am also on the side of 'readiness'. Only you can figure out what you need to get there and what you can live with and what you can't. Some people need to have the D done so that they can date. I totally understand that. For others, the M is already dead and once they are ready, they can move forward in that area of their lives.
I haven't dated or even looked to move ahead in that area of my life so far. I am getting closer to it though. My friends are bugging me a bit about it, in a nice teasing way, and asking me to get out and explore. They ask me - what are you waiting for? And my answer is this, which I figured out a while back when I got my DB bearings properly - "I am not waiting for her, I am waiting for me." And I know that I will figure out when I am ready. My M is dead and there hasn't be a single thing from W that would indicate that the ship may be turning around.
I just didn't want to date as a response to feeling lonely, wanting to be loved, appreciated, etc. I knew that I had to find my equilibrium first and figure out what brings me joy in life, including being happy with who I am and working towards personal development. Only then I would feel comfortable spending time with someone on a date because I know that I am not going to use them for filling any void in my life. Even if it was just one date with no physical intimacy - I don't want to take up someone's time because they could've spent it with someone else who was ready to move it forward if they clicked.
A question that I ask myself every day when I am dealing with things at work, in life, or in communications with W - How do I manage this so that it aligns with my own values? This completely stops me from being reactive and I listen to my inner voice and find the answer. Just asking myself that question allows me to respond in a way that I am comfortable with because it come from my value system.
You'll figure out what works for you and when you're ready. I take people's advice as another data point to consider and then make my decision based on my values and needs.
