I assure you women do not care as much about height as portrayed. While I think people act similarly when talking about a preference, I think the comparisons made are different. A man being short really doesn’t “devalue” his attractiveness, but being tall might add a little. For men, I think a lot of them view women who are plus-sized/larger or really skinny as unattractive.
While I agree that the internet has amplified the notion that height & weight are critical factors in dating preferences, I can tell you from firsthand experience that being as short as I am has directly “devalued” my attractiveness in the eyes of several women. I think both examples you gave are devaluing.. and you know what? That’s okay! Not everyone needs to like how short I am. If someone thinks I’m less attractive because of my height, okay! That’s their preference. Same goes for men & lbs
The only person limiting your options is yourself, friend. Either embrace your preferences proudly and own it or move outside of your comfort zone. Don’t try to act like it’s a limit placed on you. There are plenty of exceptionally tall women that would date men shorter than them. Hell, if I’m to ever have a wife she’s most likely going to be taller than me since I’m so short.
My point is, and I’m admittedly being stubborn on semantics here, that “that” didn’t limit your options. “It” didn’t limit your options. You limited your options… and that’s okay. That’s my whole point in embracing your preferences. Don’t see your preferences as “limiting”. If you do, you should change your preferences. Don’t go into it with a negative attitude or by using negative nomenclature. Just own it! Happy you found yourself a man that fits your preferences. Bless both of you!