It's a lot of work, most of the time you'll find nothing, or fools gold, but every once in a long while you'll find exactly what you are looking for.
You need to have a good set of filtering skills. I automatically rule out anyone that has multiple posts. Look for the girls that post one ad, every once in a while. That doesn't guaranty anything, but it certainly increases your odds.
Normally with hobbying, if you only see $400+ girls, you will probably be satisfied 70% of the time. If you only see ones with good reviews, bump that up to 90% or better.
When you go to backpage, you are probably seeing girls in the $200-$250 range with few or no reviews. If you are just looking to get your dick wet, then that doesn't matter so much. But if you like a higher end, GFE type experience, then you are probably going to be disappointed at least 50% or 60% of the time.
However, if your budget is limited, and you don't mind having some less than stellar experiences along the way, occasionally you can find a gem.
Over the years I have tried backpage many times. Mostly because my schedule makes it very hard for me to make plans with girls in advance. The higher end girls here often can't be available last minute, but with backpage there is more of a chance to find someone on short notice. Keeping only with reviewed girls, most of the time I was basically satisfied but never really super happpy with the dates. I also didn't have high expectations. Only twice have met girls on backpage that absolutely captivated me. One to the point that I stopped seeing anyone else because I wanted to see her as much as possible.
I've been hobbying for over 10 years and it should tell you something that after all that time I only have 2 backpage success stories.
So, the answer to your question is, Yes, I have had luck finding quality, honest, real girls on backpage. But the search cost me thousands of dollars and many hours spent in mediocre appointments.
lol