It's great when a guy cares a lot about his friends and family. But he also needs to take care of himself, not always pay for dinner w/ friends, bail people out, etc. If he spends all his time and energy on others there's none left for the woman in his life or for him.

As for when to exchange numbers or meet, I think sooner than later. If you like each other's profiles, email enough to know you mesh, then go for it! Email and phone calls don't tell you what someone's like in person. Let the woman direct the timing so she feels comfortable and safe. Meeting for coffee is great: it's a short date, you can see each other and talk in person but then can go home and think about the date.