How to contact members?

Hello. My name is Jason, and this is my first forum post. I am hoping to get some insight on how to improve my experience on this site.I have a few questions, that I would like input on from the female members or couples.
1- When messaging a member for the first time,how can I avoid seeming like a pervert, creeper, fraud, etc.?I try to provide a platonic disclaimer, avoid sensitive topics, and express my respect and sincerity, but too often, I feel like my messages are avoided because I'm a 29 year old, single male.
2- When messaging a member for the first time,should I keep my messages short and sweet or truly introduce myselfand my intentions.
3-What qualities are single females interested in on this site?I will never portray myself as someone or something that I am not, but I'm not sure what qualities I should highlight and what I should save for later.
4-Is a friend request without a message a red flagif I send a full message, separately? I typically elaborate in my initial message to a member, and the character count in thefriend request messageis limited.
5-Is it creepy to contact females older than me, even though my intentions are platonic?
Any assistance will be appreciated. Thank you.