I get it... internet culture... it's anonymous and easy so people will send message to those they would never approach IRL. I am not even talking about being "out of your league" or "punching above your weight class" etc... I just mean someone who is not looking for the same things as you, so irl you probably wouldn't bother.

When OLD there seem to be 2 major types of "shoot your shot" people:

Type 1) Those who read your profile, know you aren't exactly on the same page, acknowledge it in their message, but want to see if maybe there is something that might work the two of you or see how flexible you are on some of the points where you don't see eye to eye. They'll also tell you where they are flexible and want to have a conversation to discuss.

For the most part, I respect this type as they have acknowledged the differences and are looking for common ground. Depending on the challenge it may or may not be something that you will overcome (most of the time it's not because if you put it in your profile it's probably important enough to you). Also for the most part this type will have a civil convo and if you decide there isn't enough there to warrant a meet or call, they are respectful and wish you well. If you turn them down, they may or may not ask you to take a chance and get to know them.

Type 2) These people may or may not read your profile(they probably didn't). You can't tell because they haven't actually mentioned anything about what you want it all. It's pretty clear they don't care what you want. They want to tell you what THEY want from YOU. They might tell you that you are hot and then some graphic description of what they want to do to you. They may say they are married and looking for discreet partners. They may be only looking for hookups when you clearly state you are only looking for LTR, or maybe (this is the case for me since I am kinky) they might offer some kink arrangement that has nothing to do with what you are into (for instance they may offer to lick your feet when you have no feet-related kinks).

Type 2 is the type I have no respect for. They tell you to lower your expectation because your standards are too high and you'll never find someone who meets your criteria. They may insult you saying how can you expect anyone to date you or take you seriously when you post sexy pics (swimsuits). They may assume/tell you all kinky people are easy or slutty etc. OR they see the pics and assume you are some kind of "dumb bimbo" who is stupid enough to fall for any pickup line. This type gets angry when you turn them down, often cursing you out and/or blocking you (yes please!), telling you your attitude this is why you are alone etc... As far as I am concerned, I have no reason to think they will ever respect what I want or what I have to say. This is not shooting your shot. This is just spamming multiple people hoping someone will bite and you might get lucky.

I know there are a bunch of variations but these are the 2 major types of "shoot you shot" types, I've run across... ymmv.