I see your point @Helen350 . But please let me add some things I think is worth considering.
If the guest set the range of price, the search results will show the listings based mainly on price.
Certainly the algo will present firstly the listings that has more chance to be booked and that Airbnb inferes that will not stain its brand.
It considers star rate, response rate of the host and many other factors. Price is one of the most important factors.
To some guests that are on a very tight budget, the most important thing is the price, certainly they show anything that are within the range of price.
Even if the guest do not set the price range and browse the listing, they can see more affordable options.
However, the fact is, the lower is the listing star rate, the more is the listing competing with the worst listings.
So, my advise to the host in question (in this topic) is to make an effort to better its listing rate to get out of the worst zone.
If you know someone that has a broken leg, what would you say to the this person? "You should take care to cure your broken leg" or you should say that "even if you do not take care, and have two broken legs You can continue walking slowly with both legs in plaster.? 🙂
@Sarah977 Maybe Airbnb wants to offer options to all range of guest´s budget. If you want, see my arguments above.