@Adrienne67 I agree - the number of reviews is important! I have just returned from hosting since the start of Covid. In 2019, I was booked every night I wanted to host. I have a total of 226 reviews and a 4.97 (6 reviews were a 4*.) I am an in-home host and was hesitant to reopen because Covid was very high in our area.
Despite the 226 reviews, 4.97 stars, and never having canceled a guest I lost Superhost status by delaying opening until it was safer.
Now - my listing is harder to find. Bookings are WAY down (only 3 this quarter) and I won't be able to regain Superhost this session. My marketing materials (business cards, signs I display as a supporter of community events, Facebook postings) all revolve around the name I choose. I know people can type in the unique link or click on the link if I put it in postings but the branding is important to me - it needs to show up in a general search of my area!
As a guest I also used to search on Superhost and would consider the number of ratings. My last trip ended up at a hotel as I became frustrated with the search process and didn't have time to keep checking listing after listing. I was sad because as a host and stockholder I want to support Airbnb when traveling.