This is probably shallow, but my husband and I met on a blind date. We talked before we met. We both were on the same page regarding looks. Attraction matters. So, looks do matter. But like nvr said, it's all in the eyes of the beholder. Me, for instance...I am attracted to clean cut guys. They have to be taller than me, and bigger. They have to weigh more than 170. They have to be muscular. A little, tiny gut is okay but a big gut, no way, totally out. I also hate any body hair. Which is why I am generally attracted to blonds. They have such light body hair you can't even see it. Oh and no facial hair, except for a goatee. Mustaches are nasty. They remind me of 70/80's porn stars. YUCK.
He also had a very long check list as well. Luckily we met eachothers requirements.
I tried dating non attractive people. By unattractive, I mean unattractive to me. Before my husband I was seeing this really sweet, very professional man. He was absolutely perfect in every way. The only problem was that he was short and skinny. I never had that attraction. We never even kissed.