AdultFriendFinder Review

I disagree! AFF works just fine with a free account. I used mine for 18 months and never upgraded. Of course the owners want you to purchase paid accounts because that's how they stay in business!--and most males do purchase accounts because they are typically the ones making contact. In my area, I had no problem, once posting my profile and pictures, in receiving contact information from people (there are covert ways that people could add their email addys, or simply give their telephone numbers). Plus, live chat and instant messaging is available. And, when I was interested in someone, I sent a wink--just as you said. If the person was equally smitten, they'd send a reciprocal wink . But if the person I "winked" at only had a free account, you are correct that they'd have to purchase at least a temporary membership to send an email back.
BTW, it is suggested that one use a "throwaway" email acct with ANY dating site, so that associated spam goes to that address.