What's up with AirBnB and no responses?

[Orangello]

Trying to book accommodation in 3 different locations for this summer. All show available in calendar. Send a booking request:

• "hi, I need to check if it's available and will get back to you." My booking expires in 2 hours, she has not confirmed. Calendar shows available.
• 3 different accommodations - sorry, we only rent for a week, Saturday to Saturday. None of them have this mentioned anywhere in their ad and you can book whatever days, no minimum.
• Sent several messages politely asking if they also only reserve for a week or is it possible to book x to y dates - read, no responses. I mean how hard is it to say yes or no?

Can someone who maybe rents their place out explain what's going on? And no I don't think it's me, I have a perfect 5 star rating with high praise comments only. Will you get penalised for making the place available for a minimum number of nights only, or why won't anybody say there's a minimum nights and fixed check in dates? What's with no responses when their calendar shows full availability? I've already given up on one of the locations and booked a regular hotel, at least they had no issues confirming.

It's that owners in popular locations don't have to provide good customer service! They know they'll get bookings no matter what!

This is one of several reasons I don't use AirBnb. Not only does it ruin neighbourhoods by bringing in a constant stream of strangers who often behave obnoxiously, it takes housing away from locals.

I'd see it as a red flag that you're not getting timely responses. These are not people who are going to be helpful if there's any kind of problem and I wouldn't trust the booking to be available when you show up. Stay at a hotel run by people who know about reliability!