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I like talented and intelligent men. However, these men are often taken (back when I was unwoke all of my crushes turn out to be taken). I had tried OLD but almost none of the guys are like that in my area (they are either obsessed with portraying themselves as rich extroverts who love to party and drink or are honest about being socially awkward and having a job that doesn't pay very well). I had briefly thought about paying for matchmakers but think they're scammy in nature.
How can I meet men who meet my preferences? I've heard about Mensa and while I find the idea of a high IQ society kind of cringeworthy and "circlejerky", I wonder if I should join it to meet men who meet my preferences (I qualify for joining). I've never heard of anyone who met their SO via Mensa but then joining Mensa is much cheaper than paying for a matchmaker...
Anyway, should I stick to my preferences or boarden my preferences? I am fine with being single but having a HVM as a companion is nice.
Absolutely do not join Mensa to meet men. Your gut feeling that it's "circlejerky" is absolutely right, and I've only met the most self-centered and egotistical men who are part of it. Often, being part of Mensa is their "greatest achievement". The "quietly talented" types don't tend to need external validation like a Mensa card to feel good about themselves. Steer clear of those, and join hobby groups like @Rrtrrgg mentioned. Rock climbing, horseback riding, woodworking, chess, book clubs, kayaking, gardening lessons... Pretty much any niche thing that interests you!
Join your local chess club. Rock climbers also tend to be problem solvers.
Hard no on Mensa, I agree with the other commenters. Consider the type of hobbies and interests your ideal man might enjoy - if you're looking for someone of high intelligence something like a book club or chess for example, and try joining a club or group related to that just to start meeting people and putting yourself in that sphere. Of course certain hobby groups can become circlejerky too, but when you recognize that you can always leave one and try finding another. I find that Facebook groups and Meetup are the best way to try and find local groups like this. If you live near some universities try attending some (open to the public) talks or guest lectures. If you're near some museums or libraries they also may have lectures, free classes, social/cocktail hours, special presentations or previews of exhibits, etc. that may attract the type of men you're looking for.
Volunteering at a museum could also be an option, if you get to work with one of the exhibits there's usually people who work in or go to school for a related subject, although YMMV with this one - I found that it was mostly old folks (who were retired) or young students (like HS seniors or college freshmen) who did this. When I did it in my area seemed like people in the middle of their careers or deep into school maybe didn't have the time for it.
Can you still go back to school? Because college/grad school was where I met that absolute most number of intelligent men. I went to school somewhere with a very high concentration of universities so it was like they were in droves.