I think you guys made a great decision as it definitely sets your app apart. It made it very clear that it's about finding friends, rather than a potential mate.

As another fellow expat, my main issue is trying to make friends with locals or other people that are outside the "expat bubble."

From my experience, those who stay in expat bubble too long become really toxic (both the expats and the locals that hang around them).

I've been learning the local language and have made a lot of progress by just getting involved in specific hobby groups like hiking and birding.

It's tough but rewarding.