Brava Debbie.
You truly get it.
Wish I could give you 100 likes, because everyone should read your solution.
You have pointed out the obvious: Letting guests use the kitchen and laundry invites higher scrutiny and invites abuse.
As a host is this what you really want? To worry about splatter from frying?
The gas stove left on unattended? The irresponsible water usage?
For me sharing a house. I choose the easy "NO".
I see in this thread so much frustration and confusion, with reason. But we all should take a step back and reflect - what is airbnb trying to do for us? Where is airbnb leading us?
Airbnb wants us to do what we do very well. For many of us that will mean simplyifing.
If we can't get 5 stars by maintaining a kitchen, we should not offer the kitchen.
If we can't control the kitchen odors of guests that bother other guests, we should not offer the kitchen.
If we can't get 5 stars for letting guests use a free washer and dryer, because we might grimace when that one abusive guest wants to do wash daily with hot water, we should not offer a free washer and dryer.
There, the solution is so simple.
It has become more and more obvious that Airbnb does want us to compete with hotels. So let's look to hotels for solutions.
In a comparatively priced hotel, do you get a kitchen? NO
In a compartively price hotel, do you get free laundry? NO
I admire hosts who want to provide kitchen and laundry, but I will concentrate on the guest's bedroom, bathroom and living areas.
Hopefully I will get less scolding from airbnb