Everyone saying that "It's ok if they plan to meet up and make it not-online in the future" should possibly realize that, in every single instance I've been aware of, that's a given.

The criticism people are levelling at it are largely valid, but also largely irrelevant because... well... people DO want to meet up in real life. And people DO call each other/voice chat/webcam/etc. Sometimes these things aren't easily achieved (In my case I'd have had to move to another country, which I was perfectly willing to do and would be again if I found someone.) but that doesn't mean they're not on the list.