So, I had my first M&G scheduled for today, and she no-showed.  I've seen this situation talked about on this board some.  How many should I expect before one actually shows up?  Any advice as to how to try to ensure she's going to show up before I actually get excited about meeting her?  

BTW, I messaged her about meeting and how excited I was to meet  her.  She responded that the feeling was mutual - and then didn't show up.  I know it's part of the "game", but I'd like to keep from investing too much of my time and energy into fruitless endeavors.  I've got a wife for that.  haha!

This happens a lot, unfortunately. A lot of girls change their minds or don't show for all manner of reasons. One way to cut down on this is to confirm morning of, if she doesn't confirm back don't drive to the meeting place. Video calls can be a good way to vet but video calls can be problematic to conduct, especially if you are married. I don't do video calls, usually, I do a voice call.  

 
Once we set up a day/time, I confirm the day before and then the morning of. Usually the no-shows just ghost you morning of, although I've had some confirm morning of and then not show. Part of the game. I had 5 no shows in a row this past month, but all ghosted morning of so I didn't actually have to drive to the meet.

 
If they ghost I don't bother texting them again to give them shit, not worth the energy. Just move on to one that respects your time enough and is reliable enough to show up.

 
Flakes/No shows don't have to be a waste of time, as long as you do the confirm morning of and don't spend a lot of time texting beforehand.  

I've been extremely fortunate to have maybe 2 ghosts in the past five years or so.

I'm super picky and do vet them quite carefully.

But really couldn't explain my success or more likely: luck!

Without question tho: keep in contact with them until very shortly before the meeting and verify they are coming over that instant.  I do Ubers, telling them we will probably get a bit drunk and wind up at my place fucking, so that probably eliminates a bunch of them from cancelling out.   LOL

Otherwise, there's no explaining rude behavior...only making an exception if the girl gets nervous.

I've been doing the very same thing.  Confirm the night before and I tell them I'll be texting them in the morning just to be sure there's no last minute changes.  They know I'm usually driving an hour to meet them.  So if I don't get a confirmation the morning of, I don't bother going.  One other thing that has worked for me; as I said, most of my dates are an hour drive away.  So if possible, I organize my M&Gs for the same day I'm going to be in the city anyway.  For example, on Friday of this week I have a regularly scheduled date in the RV with my #1 SB.   I also have a M&G scheduled with a new one I've been chatting up.  I've told her I'll be in town for a meeting and will text her when I'm free.  So far this has worked well.  If they show up, great.  If they don't, well, not much time or trouble lost.

Thanks, guys!  I have to say that this is the best board TER has. You guys always give good advice without throwing a bunch of sh*t as us for asking questions. A LOT of other “contributors” could learn a lot from you. Gotta get back up and try again.

Excellent point.
If there's any way at all you can set up an alternate plan if the lovely lady fucks you and doesn't show, no reason the prospective meeting should be a total loss.
We've all eaten alone, so if it involves food, maybe just enjoy it by yourself.
Many, many years ago I got stood up at a Jamaica place but the wait staff including the owner took pity on me once they realized my situation and turned it into a fun activity which I still remember today.