I think you are correct, we would do the clubs parties or meet and greets more but unfortunately our area is small and the clubs are a minimum four hours away so that leaves us with web sites and one on one meets, very time consuming. :/
We have even thought about trying to start our own smaller meet and greet nights somewhere here but not sure if there are really that many real players in the area, we mostly come across pic collectors, talkers, and cammers.