Hey Faheem. Perhaps you’re over thinking it?
Guests are known to flake; personally I respond and then immediately archive the message. I don’t even worry about it any further until it becomes a concrete booking.
I’ve never managed my calendar that way either… sometimes I’ve had a few gaps here and there and I’ve welcomed the break which feels like a holiday for me. You could set up a minimum stay during that period if you’re keen to make the most of a set of dates but I can’t be sure how well that will work for you.