The closer you are to 6'0, beards, and white, (and tattoos in regional areas) the more you should use online dating. The farther you look from that, the less you should use online dating.

Some looks are more desired based on culture.

So if you're 5'5 or non-white it's probably best to meet women in real life to use your personality to get over handicaps somewhat.

I am non-white, 5'8 and average build.

My okcupid rate is hilariously bad regardless of how good my photos/messages are just to reinforce my theory.

If you're not the look then you're fighting for scraps online.

When I meet women in real life I have had success with just about every race because game is the great equalizer. You can't really game online.