I have to agree with John in that it depends on what type of relationship you are looking for. If your looking for a romance those things you mentioned are important, regardless to how much people protest they aren't. I have to disagree with the comment "the only thing one cannot escape is personality". In chat you look any way you like, and your personally does not need to show through, unless you want it to. Even when the relationship becomes intimate you are still able to hide the negative aspects of your personality......just like in RL. I think CMC is a way to be totally unbaised about all physical appearances, in a world where looks are so important.