I get lot of requests for $$ for a coffee meet too.  But I tell them firmly but kindly why I won't do that.  Sometimes they bail and that's the end of it.  More often though they say ok I understand and we keep moving forward.  The last girl who asked me for $$ in advance, plus $$ to meet wound up driving a ways to meet me near my home for coffee.  We wound up going directly from coffee to BCD, had a wonderful time, and all for the $200 I had offered her in our messages.  Hell, I gave her another 20 for gas money since she drove to me.

There have been spells where more of them had unrealistic expectations.  Sorry to hear you are hitting one of those in your area.  I often tell them I think we should both be motivated enough to meet and spend an hour chatting, with no obligation or expectation other than two people checking each other out to see if there's chemistry.  If she's not at least that interested, I'm not either! The sugar starts after we create an arrangement. The coffee meet is to decide if we both want to create one.  This is the kind of explanation I use, maybe it will help you too.  

I've only had a couple ask for money for the first public meet.  Aside from being ridiculous, it puts it way way too far into the mercenary category.  I know they're in it for the bucks, but allow some room for fantasy ...

Also I think it is a way to brush you off without saying their true reason.  They know most guys won't go for pay just to see them in public for a few minutes (or at least I hope most guys wouldn't.)

What I had in the last few weeks was a lot of girls short on rent payments etc ... literally begging to meet.

I've just let my 3 month subscription to SA lapse.  I gotta adopt some fiscal responsibility.  This shit can drive you to the poor house.  

A few days ago I reported a predator alert scammer to SA including copies of the extortion texts I received. Guys, don't do it. Apparently once you complain or report someone you are then under the microscope.  In effect the scammer's profile is still up while I received a permanent ban today for "soliciting sexual favors".  

People on reddit's forum advise to initiate a charge-back on my credit card.  I'm actually relieved because I've had it with seeking and the girls there - at least in my market.  Japan was great but here it's turned into a cesspool.

I have a several phone numbers I collected to keep me busy for a while

I usually meet the first time at lunch and occasionally dinner.  I will gladly pay  ~$100 for food and drinks to get a sense of the lady  BUT I will not pay “show up” money unless she drove a couple hours & then I would consider some gas money.   They have a site for “show up” money and it’s called What’s Your Price.  It is a waste of time and money (for the guys).

I’m no expert on this but I beleive the good ones are out there and over time the numbers will even out so keep the faith.  I see fewer P411 ladies since hunting on SA.  Each month I get a little better at picking out good prospects.