I agree with your philosophy. I first used airbnb in 2013 in Boston. Hosting is not as easy as politicians think it is. It can take months and months of zero bookings because people need a trust factor before they actually book a place. A new host needs decent reviews to beable to get bookings. Much like most products on the market worldwide.
Firstly anyone that is sceptical doesn't have to use this method of travelling. Some tourist use it to get advise from locals about their cities. Its endless how and why guests use this method. Everyone will do what benefit their trip be it good or bad.
The mystery is like chance, it could work in your favour or it may be perfect. It may be clean, it may not be clean. Regardless thats the mystery of using this platform. I have had family members being scammed from booking a property in NYC and there was no property upon arrival. They don't like to use this way of booking. I am fine using it because it worked fine for me. Its a chance situation. Thats the mystery of dealing with strangers!
I will do a stress test of why its more positive then negative.
Positives:
Pays the bills
Meet interesting people
Helping travellers from an international perpective
Helping your local businesses by buying fresh flowers, fruits, cleaning products, furnitures, rugs, homewares, the lost is actually endless. So many furniture/homewares/bed, bath products are benefitting from hosts updating and improving furnishings. Electrical homewares are benefitting from selling so much electrical appliances to hosts. Any Department store is reaping those rewards.
Guests support all the local business such as restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, public transport, taxis, the list is endless.
GST is collected from any sale of goods/services including Tax
Negatives:
Some guests damaging your home but one can arrange some form of security deposits
People inteferring with your hosting decisions and its not their private property. Example: Governments/councillors/Mp's, some neighbours.
Lack of vetting of respectful guests
Guests taking advantage of Hosts hospitality however reviews can identify the problems.
My thoughts are: Experience responsible hosts should never be capped. They are responsible to know how much hosting they would like and not have any outsiders dictate when its really not their property or business. Hosts with one listing should nopt be capped.
Governments are so ineffective for their communities they should not be in government!
Politicans are paid by TAX PAYERS. Politicians bleed on TAX PAYER FUNDS as well as exploiting TAX FUNDS. Not a fan of politicians!