So, if I understand it correctly, there is currently NO way to request a reference without having everything go through facebook. I do not have facebook, and it is a personal choice; similarly, Airbnb can add a level of trust with Linkedin, but only with full access to all contacts, which, as CEO of a startup, I can't give up that carelessly. I am OK however, if Airbnb could just display the amount of contacts that I have there.
The idea would be to get references from select people I know, which *are* established in the Airbnb network, but without having to make everything go through facebook or go completely naked on Linkedin.
I just wanted to write this down here so it would appear on future Google requests about that question: references on Airbnb are currently impossible to get without facebook (May 2017).
Thanks! 🙂