I use CL all the time to buy and sell stuff, and have had great success with it. However, I NEVER use email for replies, and am very explicit in stating that in my ads. Phone calls ONLY. I haven't had one phone call from a scammer. Still get an email now and then despite the no-email instruction, and it doesn't even get opened.
Using email for CL replies and then replying to them is a big waste of your time. The scammers could care less about anybody's cute replies.
Meeting people at a public place is a good idea, especially for those that are unable to defend themselves.