I'll speak to SA now that I have some significant experience under my belt with it.
I have paid between $0-$300 for the meet. Now, to be fair, that doesn't include paying a meal or coffee or anything we might do.
Being 33 helps, I am sure. Being well spoken helps, I am sure. Being completely up front and respectful about expectations helps.
You want a deeper experience then a transaction, I highly recommend it. Yes, you will need to sort through some bullshit. Yes, some will waste time and put price tags that you aren't willing to pay on themselves. It's a part of the game.
You want quick, simpler, services with a much smaller chance to actually have any connection, then the amp/indie route is probably more realistic.
Personally, I've got no significant other to worry about. So I just go about business as usual.
You will also deal much deeper with the woman's opinions here then in the business. They like what they like and that's that. But the quality=price idea isn't necessarily accurate either. I had one woman that was expecting $1,000 for meetings. I declined the offer, but I am sure somebody more her type could do better then I was offered. The woman I haven't paid anything to and we have had an ongoing situation for 3 months now, had an allowance of $2500 a month prior to me, for 2-3 dates a month.
Point is, it is the extreme definition of YMMV. Some of us will play over there and hit the jackpot, some of us will be better suited to call and make appointments. Neither is right or wrong, it's just what it is and what we make of it.