It works for me.
My last GF, I spent $7 mini-golfing on the first date. She lost and had to buy ice cream after.
Next date was a drive down to a neighboring community at a lake. Spent the day getting ice cream, walking and touring. Total cost - negligible.
3rd date she came to my house to hang out and watch Netflix, maybe we took a quad ride, whatever. Simple stuff. Sex that date.
She was a quality woman, tight morals, etc.
If they like you, they want to be around you no matter what you are doing. I am a high value man, clean living, great body, high status career, financially sound. Great personality, lots of fun. A woman with high interest doesn't need elaborate dates.....and I don't give it to them.
I AM a believer in the three date rule. Not necessarily hard and fast to it, but as a rule of thumb. If , in her late 40's, she doesn't have enough interest in me to have sex by the third date, I generally move on. Stop trying at least, My time is valuable to me. I lose interest, and if they want to hang out, they can contact me.
So, my experience is as originally posted:
If you have had a couple dates, keep the future dates simple, no/lo cost
No more expensive dates for the ones you are seeing.
If they are into you, that is all it will take.
If they are not? Kick 'em to the curb.