Hi @Michael477, that's an interesting idea. I use FB, but not all of the people I would ask for references do, so I can see your point. I guess the idea is to ensure these are real people and not a host making up multiple references for themselves!
Also, I'd like to add there are some glitches on this system. I only ask friends for references if they have also been previous housemates, as I think only they are qualified to comment on what it is like to stay here. However, only one out of several, was able to leave a reference. The others all said they tried and it didn't work.
The one who managed to do it successfully happens to be a very tech savvy director of a super successful competing website so apparently, for average folk outside of the industry, it isn't a very user friendly process. One friend, who is on both FB and Airbnb, didn't even show up as an option when I sent my requests for references. Why?
I do agree that if Airbnb is going to have this reference system, they should make it easier to use.
Or, if I am missing a trick, if anyone who can let me know how my former housemates can easily leave references, that would be helpful!