Hi Coleen,
Unfortunatly I agree with most of what you have said , Ive not been with airbnb more than a year but I have been in the Guest house Bed and breakfast buisness for as long as I can remember . Before you gave most of your profit to booking.com , expedia, etc
I can honestly say 99% of people are very honest and leave the apartment in an acceptable state , after all they are on holiday . I know you take a chance if not verified , I suppose it depends on how much you depend on the income and of course you should always have it insured against damage.
I like to think and have been proven so far, that unverified have been very nice and perfect guests. SO FAR . I still ask for extra info.
Also I suppose you are taking them into your home mine are in an apartment which is specifically set up for holiday makers , so nothing of sentimental value. I still like to make an impromtue visit sometimes if I have a gut feeling . Always follow that gut feeling never lets me down. Ive let it down by not taking any notice of my feelings or being to lazy to do somthing, always a regret.
Think i rambled on a bit. I also love the concept of Air BnB .
There is always someone somewhere who will ruin it for others , stealing , damage , parting, leaving rubbish lying around etc etc.
Regards
Kathleen