> "dating apps are really all about physical appearance. Photos are what stand out to people"

But that's not the app's fault: it's people's.

If some people just stare at pictures and ignore bios and profiles, they're shallow and deserving their (likely) "bad luck".

When I use dating apps (I mostly use OK Cupid), of course I check the pictures but I give special attention to their profile: whenever a profile is empty, contains just a couple sentences or the usual boring stuff (it looks like everybody "loves traveling"), I swipe left - the pictures be damned.

I know interactions with those women would just be a waste of time.

IMO, people should realize that if they want a good and solid relationship, they should at least invest in 1. Knowing themselves; 2. Knowing what they really want; 3. Presenting themselves fully. Any laziness in those matters means they won't invest in the relationship either, so their chances are quite low.

As they say, "You reap what you sow".