Too much work in some of these responses to get a date. Who has this kind of time to invest? I certainly don't.
I will always begin with a "Hi":
Then I follow with:
1) Hey, I'm not much into the back and forth exchange of e-mails or penpal thing, but I would like to meet you one night this week for a drink and get to know each other better. Let me know how that sounds to you. =) Guru (if older than 30 yo)
or if 30 yo or younger:
2) "Hey <SN>, how has this site been treating you so far??"
SN: Bla, Bla, Bla
Guru: I know, I know, hundreds of e-mails, 99% "winners." I'm not on here much, but I would like to meet you one night this week for a drink and get to know each other better. Let me know how that sounds to you =) Guru
Any other response other than a yes, I follow with, "Let's chat a bit more, xxx-xxx-xxxx, Guru." Text volley 3-4 times, and ask for the date.
Using this method, I schedule 4-5 dates every weekend. If you use either of the above and don't schedule many dates, this would be an indication that you need stronger pics. In this case, seek a professional photographer, take hundreds of photos wearing suits, casual, and beach wear. Take your best four shots, PS for best lighting, and place them up. Give the girl both alpha and beta hooks in your profile.
I strongly encourage that your emphasis should be placed in your pics, not attempts to close. Time is a valuable resource. And with strong pics, you expend far less effort.