Guests don’t have to send a message when they Instant Book, but most do. We just had a regular book with no message. I always send a message when a guest books thanking them for booking with us regardless of whether they use Instant Book or send a request.
Yes, high season is over, now bookings for September and October start, coming in.
For low and mid season I use IB.
I switched back just as a test, and needed to click trough 3 different screens to be able to switch it off.
One of the screens was the screen saying I was not able to cancel without penalty if they do not obey the house rules.
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What surprises me (and I’m another IB fan) is that an estimated 85% of guests DO message first. It’s pretty rare for me to get an immediate booking with no contact first. Often, they contact with questions such as whether I can accommodate a late check in or how near we are to the airport - both of which are in the listing, of course 
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