@Brian68
You should avoid Airbnb support whenever possible, and just follow the rules as best you can. It's a minor inconvenience, considering the (inexplicable) consequences.
You need to respond (nicely) , even if you aren't available or the guests messages are indecipherable. Before you cancel or decline any guest, try to scare them away first, so it's not on you. Or suffer penalisation by a mindless bot.
Use Airbnb for what it's good at (bookings) and forget the rest. But you need to cover your rear, and not expect anything from Airbnb (or any other platform, for that matter).
Hosts have far greater risk than guests. And it's all on you to prevent problems. No, it's not fair, but it's the way it is.
Dealing wisely with guests is just good business anyway, on any platform. Even if they're "something less than ideal 🤨". Just watch your back.