Re setting one's standards too high. Eh... I'd argue that "settling" permanently with someone may be a bad idea. Depending on the degree, obviously, no one is perfect and expecting perfection is just setting yourself up for failure. But for dating, who cares? You'll get some great war stories out of it.
That said, I once got lucky and scored a chick that (to me) was damn near perfect. By damn near, I mean it. Beautiful, intelligent, funny, handy with handguns, loved books, had an interest in explosives, not bad at picking locks, liked outdoors stuff and enjoyed sharpy shiny objects. It didn't work out. So even if you do find the perfect lady, it's no key to enduring happiness.
Just bite the bullet and go for it. Yea, you will face rejection and heartbreak. That is also part of life. The upsides far exceed the downsides.