I have nothing but very negative experiences with Meetup.com. I agree that Meetup.com is for losers who can't make friends in real life. The people who attend events are some of the most insane, emotionally disturbed, sycophants I've ever met!
As a female, attending the singles events are horrible! The men are socially $#*!ed and won't take "I'm not interested" "No I don't want to exchange numbers" and walking away from them as a sign to please leave me alone. They will follow you around the event and even send frightening stalker e-mails after the event.
I've deleted my profile and am trying to find other ways to meet people, because there is ZERO quality on Meetup.com.