Yes, I think you’re correct. The noise/signal ratio tends to be bad in online communities and especially in social media (as with any other topic). I’ve met some lovely (and attractive!) trans people in work life. Never dated one though, as I’ve been “off the market” for years now, but I don’t find the idea any stranger than dating anyone else. If there’s a mutual connection, then that’s all I need. The rest will sort itself out and this, as you rightfully point out, has become stronger and clearer the older I’ve become.