“If I understand the quotes you are saying quoting correctly, it sounds like whether or not someone likes someone is not based on looks”.
I doubt that’s their conclusion. Nobody in their right mind would say looks don’t affect romantic interest. It’s hard to say what they meant without reading the rest though.
“but it has definitely happened that I have gone out with guys whom I could tell right away whether or not they liked me as soon as they saw me, before I even opened up my mouth”
That’s why I think it’s a good idea for both boys and girls to start a date with a smile and not a long examining look.