@Emilie: I see you write that “Good track record” means guests must have stayed, and do need to have a review. I recently had someone instant book who had apparently not stayed. Not only did he not have any reviews, he had the text “No trips yet” in his profile. I assume this was a glitch then, that this guest should not have been able to book.
I’m happy for the return of the pre-booking message, for those who have been missing it. I have not been too focused on that particular feature.
I’m more concerned about the fact that Airbnb sets the requirements for IB so low. Why is it enough to have stayed only once, without “incidents or negative reviews”? Why so eager to let just anyone go ahead and instant book? Do you really think this will bring Airbnb so many more bookings, that it is worth making hosts feel uneasy? And, as an effect, turn off IB? Counterproductive?
Why not set the bar a little higher; guests should have minimum 3 good reviews/recommendations from other hosts? If your aim is to increase instant booking, then I think you need to get more hosts to allow IB. Setting the requirements for IB guests slightly higher is likely to have that effect.
My IB stays off for now.