I don''t think the language barrier should be underestimated, but at the same time, if you find the lady that wants to spend her life with you, both of you will likely be learning each others languages. If English is not your native language, the lady will probably try to learn your language. I know we have members from other countries that speak languages other than English, and their women have worked hard to learn.
Your comment about the letters not seeming like they came from the lady. Odds are, they have not. Often, it is the agency that is writing the letters, and helping to break the ice. Sometimes it is with the ladies knowledge, and other times not. But as has been suggested to you, if you find someone that you enjoy writing to, ask to see natural pictures. The ones on chnlove are often Photoshopped. And also, try to go for direct personal communication. Either by way of QQ (A very popular instant message program in China), MSN, Yahoo, Skype,or email. Some members have continued with chnlove translation services, and used direct contact as well. This way, they are getting the best of both worlds. And while speaking of direct contact, a web camera goes a long way in seeing who it is that you are writing to.
There are also online translation sites. While they are not perfect, they do help. I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but Google Translate has improved lately. They are now offering alternative words in their translations. It should help out considerably.