AZ:
You brought up the idea of paying the shadchan for x number of dates. I disagree. Many times people will go out on several dates when they are unsure to get better clarity. If they know that by ex. date #3 they will have to pay $100, they might not do it. Thus, you get rid of the possibility of the guy/girl getting used to each other after several dates. Additionally, this is a very costly expense for many families in our community.
I always said that principals and roshei yeshiva should get together and try to make shidduchim. Not that it will end up happening…