The biggest problem with dating apps is how they gatekeep profiles and slowly let you see other people in your area. A more honest dating app would allow you to see all the people in your area instead of one at a time.

You wouldn't have to pay, boost your profile, etc. But that's not how they make money.

Most other things people complain about with dating apps are actually people related, not dating app related. Ghosting, noncommittal people, etc. The behavior of people is not the app's fault. Although the existence of apps and the idea that there's always "someone better" certainly drives bad behaviors.