I don’t see the problem with it. physical attraction is, like it or not, an important component of dating. incidentally, halacha is actually very clear that a guy should indeed look (not leer) at the girl to see if he’s attracted to her physically.
Pictures are more like leering. Yes, attractiveness is important, and should be considered in the context of the date. A picture is only about the physical, though. I think it’s degrading to the kavod of a bas Yisroel.
and if he’s not, then the date will probably be a waste of time.
Probably, but not definitely? By that standard, no one should should ever go out, because probably it won’t work out. I think the kavod of a bas Yisroel is worth whatever “sacrifice” might be involved in going out without a picture, and kol shekein what the OP is talking about, which is disgusting.