@Matteo340 So I just went through something similar. I require ID, a profile pic, previous positive host reviews, etc, for a guest to be able to book my guest cottage (which adjoins my primary residence where I actually live full time). I got a booking tonight from someone who made an account this month. Only his first name is available (it seemed to be a male name, but who knows for sure?); no profile photo; 0 guest reviews, etc. But he did have a Government issued ID on file.
He obviously didn't read my listing because I specifically say in my House Rules that anyone who wants to book my place needs to message me to specifically say that they agree to my House Rules. I was forced to do a 'Decline' as he met NONE of my requirements and his initial booking request message was one sentence with no personal information.
During the decline, Airbnb invites us hosts to tell the guest why their reservation was not accepted. So I told the guest why I declined him and suggested he beef up his presentation on Airbnb so that he might be able to more easily book a place of his choosing, including via Instant Book.
So he writes me back a very nice, appreciative, and apologetic note. Based on this note, I was able to arrange to see a copy of his government-issued photo ID, and after a few exchanges I felt very comfortable accepting his (second) booking (turns out he lives just two hours from me and it will be an anniversary celebration stay).
This is the *first* time I have ever had to go through something like this after 155 guest stays. Meaning, a guest clearly does not meet my requirements, but I must go through this long 'Decline' process, justifying why I do not want to host someone who did not meet ANY of my qualifications.
It is clear to me that new users of the platform do not at all 'get' that the platform is 'community-based'. This guy (who is actually quite nice, now that I am getting to know him) just assumed it was like booking a hotel. I had to educate him about how the platform worked, why we hosts like to see a full profile, etc - All the while being aware how EXTRAORDINARILY careful I needed to be so that I would not sound 'discriminatory' during my explanation.
My question is this: Why are people who have NO profile photo, NO profile information, and NO last name on their profile allowed to book through the platform at all? Why such a low bar? And why would Airbnb expect any host to accept a guest under these conditions when even the most seedy sort of 'motel' won't?