Welcome laugh 
I agree with Handy that you might want to hold off on the OLD for a bit if you are feeling fragile. It's very, very common for messages to be ignored. The fact that you got any kind of reply, especially without a photo, is actually quite good! When I first started OLD I was really nervous of sending messages. I had to really, really like someone to pluck up the courage to contact them and like you, I felt rejected when they didn't reply. Now, I'll happily message anyone I like the look of! 
And I'm much more accepting of a non-response. I only really get miffed if you start chatting to someone and they just vanish...though I've done my fair share of that, to be perfectly honest 
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It really is a numbers game and people are always on the look out for someone "better".
Also, I don't get involved with anyone who has no photos on their profile. I know it sounds a bit shallow but a) I want to be able to see who I am talkng to b) there has to be some physical attraction and c) most importantly, it's a trust things. Loads of people lie about their age. If you see a guy who says he's 40 but is clearly in his 50s+ then it makes you wonder what else they might be lying about...Oh and also d) if someone hasn't taken the time to do a proper profile with some decent pics (NOT bathroom or car selfies, FFS!) then it makes me wonder how seriously they are taking the whole thing.
God, sorry, that makes the whole thing sound terrible, doesn't it?! I think if you know all that, and try to protect yourself a bit, then it is possible to have fun doing OLD and meet some nice people. I'm yet to meet "The One" and it is tough at times but I've also made some friends and had some good dates and it has been a confidence boost.