If you weren't able to get a date from any of those sites then maybe the problem is you?
The only thing that online dating gets you is an opportunity to introduce yourself and, if it's a good service, to introduce yourself to someone who is likelier to be what you are looking for. It's not a magic get-a-date thing, just joining up doesn't guarantee a date, just like going out to a bar doesn't guarantee that you're going to walk out of it with a girl or a phone number.
Attractive people get more messages? Yes, of course.
The only girls on dating sites have baggage? No more than any other single girls (or guys) of their age. At least that's been my experience for the last year or so that I've been single again and dating.