Sorry, I meant the ideal balance between a guest and a housemate.
The long-term guests were so much more considerate and helpful than lodgers, always offering to empty the dishwasher, take out the trash or feed the cats when I wasn't around.
One of them even carried a five door wardrobe up three flights of stairs and then helped me assemble it! He also once checked in short term guests while I was away, including making up the bed. That guest has been back to visit me and of course I let him stay in his old room for free because now he is a friend.
I tried to make them feel as much at home as possible and that's what they loved about staying here. Yet they never behaved like they owned the place. They knew they were visitors, albeit long-term ones, in MY home.
In contrast, my current housemate, who is by no means the worst I've had, creates more dishes and waste than me and the two guest rooms combined, but wouldn't empty the bin even if the rubbish was spilling onto the floor. I am run ragged already juggling hosting with my job and the last thing I need is another person to clean up after, especially when they are paying half of what I am getting from my Airbnb rooms.
Sorry for the long explanation, but those are my motives for looking for a long-term Airbnb guest rather than another lodger via Spare Room.