@Corinne107
I agree with you entirely. here is a link to my similar post and the resolution:
https://community.airbnb.com/t5/New-Hosts/Unfairly-penalised-not-just-by-a-public-automated-post-but...
I would ring BNB (Airbnb) and talk it over with them. In my view it is a rookie error easily made. Even now, I do not believe this situation is explained at all well. In fact a much better job could be done of it.
I think the important thing to realise is the word 'cancel' in BNB has a different meaning and very different set of consequences than pre-BNB life experience.
I now tend to ring BNB as soon as I believe I require advice. I've found them helpful.
Let us know how you got on.