It is not out of reach. I became a super host at the end of my first quarter. I did have to cancel a reservation but that was due to a broken air conditioner and I did pay for the guests first night at a 4 star hotel and gave them a full refund for their inconvience as any lodging property would do. I called Airbnb customer service directly and explained the situation immediately. That conversation went into my file and I was awarded Superhost anyway. There's more to gaining Superhost status. How fast you respond to the guest is very important. I make sure I'm the last one in any conversation with the guest. It also depends on your ratings. I call customer service anytime I or a guest has a question I don't know the answer to. I do not make them contact Airbnb. If they want to contact Airbnb I give them the number to make it fast and easy. All conversations with Airbnb go into your file. They like to see that you are proactive for yourself and the guest.
Airbnb considers "extenuating circumstances" when detailing with unusual situations. Don't assume every policy is set in stone. I have a guest coming in that may have to cancel for surgery and he inquired a month in advance if he could get a full refund if that was the case. I contacted Airbnb by phone and asked. They said that would be considered extenuating an circumstance just as my broken air conditioner was and yes, he could get a full refund minus the refund service charge which is less that $15. Ask, ask, ask. The worst that can happen is that they'll tell you no.