Usually, I agree with you 100%.

This one, I 100% disagree. Nyk made a lot of fine points on this.

To that, I would add ...

Coffee or a walk (not in the woods or isolated area), being a low key, low investment means he's less likely pressure you for sex because he's a transactional thinker. If he does after a $5 cup of coffee, he doesn't care you or have any respect for himself.

If you don't really know him that well, because you just met or it's a blind date, etc, then coffee is a great way to feel each other out to see if you're even compatible to date without either one of you shelling out of money whether you can afford to or not. Its respectful because it doesn't add unnecessary tension when you're just trying to get to know someone.

It's relaxing and familiar so if you're someone who experiences social anxiety to any degree, being on familiar or comfortable ground can really help that.

Because it is so familiar, and all that other pressure is off, you both can engage and be authentic a lot easier. Without the pressure to impress, the real you can shine through a lot easier. If you end up dating long term, this is the you they're going to want to see. Coffee dates eliminate a lot of "false advertising" in both parties that comes with dating geared toward trying to impress.

Personally, I LOVE coffee dates. Coffee dates, walks and the like have saved me a lot of time and drama from investing in bad or wrong for me men.