Do hobbyist use this?

yes I do.  As host of the newbie board, I receive PM's every so often when someone does not want to ask a question in public.  I respect their privacy and answer in private.

No, And I don't use it. I don't need it when there is PM

Most ladies on there are not from my area. However I did once set up a date through there with a local lady. In other cases I just chatted with some ladies. One lady who is often on there said she gets lots of business through there. I guess it works well for some, not for all, and I don't think it is widely used on TER, but fir the gals who use it, they must like it, because I see the same handful on there all the time.