I like the rule #1 idea: We love hosting guests, but please ask first. We do not accept Instant Book.
If they don't read the rule and Instant Book anyway, hosts can cancel them for being unsuitable or uncomfortable guests. But hosts should not be placed in this situation against their wishes. A better, more gracious choice would be to protect new hosts by giving them the OPTION to use Instant Book after 3 months. New hosts need the experience with guest communication, and they need the contrast to evaluate Instant Book.
What host has not amended their rules with insight gained through experience?
I tried Instant Book. It created problems as statistically more of those guests did not read the rules, and treated my home like a motel. Instant Book gives the impression to some that they can arrive when they want, and behave in the common areas as though they had exclusive private use rather than shared use.
So, once the booking came through, I made it a point to call or email the guest right away. A friendly call to make sure the place was suitable. If not, I would ask THEM to cancel the booking. I had several people cancel that way, and they THANKED me for it. They had not read the listing or the rules and thought they had rented a self-contained home all to themselves for a wildly low price! They booked because they liked the photos.
Of course, this all takes or wastes time.
What I really hate is that I love Airbnb, but I can no longer advocate for the system as being shared and without stranger danger if Instant Book is forced on hosts. With this situation, Airbnb is putting its hosts in a very difficult position in relation to the community as well as the guest/host relationship.
I wrote a long letter to Airbnb, but there was no reply.
--Lisa in So Cal, and a superhost.