I don't doubt that. It does get pretty dark here. The way our winters have been going - we may be able to give you a run for the money on cold temperatures.
Days are getting shorter here too, already. But it is light when I get up and a few hours of light left when I get home after a day shift (I work 12 hour shifts). For now. In the winter, it 'feels' like it's dark all the time.
The friendship would be more important. I'd stay away from him. Good friends are more than worth their weight in gold. As someone stated earlier, men are a dime a dozen.
Except for the good ones - there's not many of them. And before you ask, a good one would understand that you value your friendship.
I do think you and I have a fair amount in common. Sounds like I could be a partner in crime, spending a fair amount of time and money in this spot you've found. Do they have a website?
RE: Free vs Expensive Dating Sites
I guess that sort of depends on what you're looking for. If it's a quick marriage - maybe one of the paid sites?