@Bruce-and-Alison0 I understand that that would be ideal for you and those who have accommodations in places where these things are not normally provided, but not for most hosts and guests. For instance, I live in a touristy beach town in Mexico where there are thousands of rentals from hostels to inexpensive private bedrooms, to huge mansions that sleep 15 or more and rent for thousands of dollars a night, and there is not one place that doesn't provide bedding and towels.
I really do understand your objection to this being a requirement, I've read enough comments from those who live in places where this is not traditionally provided, I just think that the vast majority of listings on the platform provide this and the majority of guests expect it and would be shocked if they were required to pay extra for it, it would be like being charged extra for toilet paper or a bar of soap.
I also agree that airbnb should not make this an essential requirement, as it is obviously not expected in some areas, either by hosts or guests.
I suggested that it might be more productive to lobby for a separate category that folks like you could fit into rather than trying to get airbnb to remove that "essential amenity", simply because I don't foresee as being successful.
I really do understand your objection to this being a requirement, I've read enough comments from those who live in places where this is not traditionally provided, I just think that the vast majority of listings on the platform provide this and the majority of guests expect it and would be shocked if they were required to pay extra for it.