I am struggling with texting game. Looking for some pointers or advice.

90% of the girls I text do the same things. I get a late response with a "sorry for the delay". I get consecutive quick responses at times. Then I get hours of silence. Then I get a "omg I didn't see this". How should I respond to these, if at all?

I try to slow play the responses. Usually 40 mins to 2 hours between responses.

I try to be playful and let the convo progress organically. I used to just ask question after question like an interview, but that obviously doesn't work.

Should I spend more of the early stages talking about myself, asking questions about them, or making casual observations about things and current events?

I find most of the time I have to direct the conversation. They never ask questions or act like they want to get to know me.

Should I treat it more like I'm the one being interviewed (showing off why I'm special) or doing the interviewing (to make them think I've got lots of candidates and they need to earn the job)?

I hate these fuckin games, but I guess I gotta play them.