Frankly, I'm okay with first time users and folks that don't have any kind of reviews at all, they all have to start somewhere! But if we're good with that, then the only reasonable thing to know about folks is where they are from.
For me, it helps me know how close they are to me in time zones, especially if you've pre-approved someone, or even sent them a special offer. How long can I expect it to be before they sit down at their computers to respond.
I've hosted people from all over the world, and have never turned anyone away (Not Once), and yes a little back and forth conversation is great (which is why I DO NOT support Instant Book!!), but I find that if, they send me a laundry list of questions, including things that are clearly covered on my listing, the least I should be able to do is know where they're from. This is all new, within the last few days, correct?? Like around the 13, 14 or 15th of Sept, 2019?
People oddly try to dodge the question too. I've resorted to saying "and where did you say you lived", set as the only line in a message. Why did that and the photo in their profile disappear?? That can NOT be research to make hosts happier!