Yes and no; I've met some people who were great to date but hell to live with.
A good relationship starts with both people knowing what they want - and continual contact helps determine if the other person is being honest about what they want. Post 35/30, this process is often a lot faster, and dating skill matters less than ability not to annoy the person you're suddenly around 24/7.
If it matches from the start, or a compromise grows, you're in for a winner. Otherwise, back to the sea of the undead you go, no matter how good your dating skill!
Intention and reality are two different things - although I can't say I ever managed casual dating for 2 years! Usually most folks are in a relationship after 1.
I think it goes further than that - post 35 (post 30 really) there is a lot more pressure to shift from casual dating to a relationship at a faster pace.
Life experience talking here too, it isn't just "being upfront", it's also being willing to move at a faster pace.