It’s despicable that this is even allowed halachically, unless POSSIBLY in the case of someone who lives VERY far away (across the country or in another country), and the financial cost to meet, would exceed the cost of the date. Then, a person should have some idea if there is any potential before going to such time, trouble, and expense, though I personally don’t hold this way.
Health, in my humble opinion, it is NEVER a waste of time for two people to meet. Even if they are not meant for each other, they may be meant for each other’s relative, friend, co-worker. And in this day and age, they need to learn how to interact more normally. If one views a date as a waste of time, rather than as a learning experience,then takeh, it IS a waste of time.