John, I agree with you completely. There was a time back when I first heard about air bnb
that guests and hosts were allowed phone conversations with one another before deciding
to share a space . Air BnB has come a long way from the original transparency it was known for.
I too have to consider my options. I have been a very good host for a very long time and had
all kinds of people at a cottage on my somewhat secluded property. I have gotten older and
better at hosting, but now feel I cannot take the risk to welcome someone about whom I
have no information living alone on a large parcel of land. I asked air bnb if I might ask a reservation reqkuesting guest for their face book page.
They said no. They said only by doing instant book can you request photos or reviews and they don't want you asking for a facebook page etc. I was unable to review my good hearted customer service person who tried to figure out a secure way for me to have
guests and was turned down by her supervisor at each turn.
Too bad. I will not be coerced into instant book and turn away someone when I am uncomfortable and possibly be sued. I do hope air bnb
figures out a better way. They can't have guests happy without hosts after all.