Uk Meetup 2008. ROUND TWO!

[Jack]

NO, THIS IS THE BIG DEAL

No, parents are more worried that these "people from the internet" could be old men who just want to do bad things to their son or daughter, actually, so it is a BIG DEAL

Please explain who the big deal is for. Honestly. The entire gist of your complaint is that you have no faith in your parents (which I find terrible) and want to do things behind their back. How is that better? Is it protects you from any "shame"? We've made it clear we have no problem showing you what we look like. Hell, we even met someone's parents. We have no problem, we're not trying to do these things in secret.
The disclaimer is designed to protect us, it protects our rights, it acknowledges that your parents are your guardians and allows us not to worry that we're gonna get accused of whisking you away from them without their consent.

I know that my parents would never even consider allowing me to meet up with, in their opinion, "complete strangers" because they think that "anything could happen".

(I like to point out here that I first came to these meet-ups when I was just 17. I didn't get raped, nor did I get abused.)
I'm sorry, but your attitude is childish and single-minded. You prefer things covered up, in secret, at the risk of people with jobs, degrees, relationships = RESPONSIBILITIES.
Have you seen Mr Murat, concerning the Maddie McCann case? His life has been splashed on all the papers, his life is ruined. Best bit: He might not have done anything. An extreme example, but how easy stuff can be ruined. Did you know charges relating children don't go away? Explain how my fianceé (who is aware of this meet-up and may even go) will feel with her fiance with a child abuse accusation on his record?
By the way, if you personally think I am an old man looking to perv, here's me and my fianceé:

I am 20. I actually did child-care (and therefore vetted by the Goverment.) I go to University. I have a normal job. I live with my fianceé. I like to think of myself as normal, and happy.

Now you tell me that you would prefer to keep a "nice" relationship with your parents rather than protect my wonderful life. Some of these people involved are my friends, my actual IRL friends who meet up for birthdays, anniversaries, get-togethers. I would fight tooth and nail to protect them from getting their lives ruined. That's what friends do.
I know some people here have complained about these disclaimers (which is laughable, considering its a tick-box and an signature) because they seem too much, for what is supposed to be a fun get-together. Well, I'm sorry, but I like me, I love my fianceé and (in a platonic way) I love my friends. Their lives matter more then your (IMO) silly attitude concerning your parents.

As such, this is a big deal.

DATES

Rant over. When it comes to dates, the latter is seemingly more popular, so I'm gonna rally everyone up for them. I'm gonna assume they're better for everyone. So unless Iceglow (I'll call him tomoz) says different, the latter is best.

List
Iceglow
Jack
zorander
Baloki
agrias