I dont think this is accurately describing people and how they develop. You have many people that are fine partners but got stuck in toxic relationships. You have people that were great "matches" in their twenties but turned to become terribly self absorbed arseholes in their thirties and vice versa you have people who developed to become very decent. You have people that were fine but wanted to sleep aroung in their 20s and then became monogamous and people who did the opposite.

Also you entirely ignore that as more people are permanently in relationships with increasing age that also means the "competition" reduces.

Finally this assume the observer to be somewhat static in their relation to other people being duds, mediocre or winner. But given your numbers they would become more likely to be duds or mediocre as they get single at higher age. Two "mediocre" can make a fine couple. And quite frankly, if the only people someone ever get to know are "duds" chance is he or she needs to work through some issues.

Yeah so this type of narratives is why I am very very glad I am happily married. I don't rank humans, I don't think of humans in terms of what they can do for me only. I am also aware that a disturbing high degree of what we are is what situation we are in.

I make six-figures and I have been homeless. Generally your brain works worse as you get older so homeless me was smarter than uppermiddle class me. I know he was in a lot better shape physically and had a full set of hair.

I can make you a shitty person by giving you a foot injury. I can make you a loving person with women weed. And you know what? We are all shitty judges of character.