While we understand ARCs are given in exchange for an honest review, the goal of the ARC team should also be to help the author have a positive launch.
The reason we ask to be contacted before 3 stars reviews are posted is because they can be perceived as critical reviews (even if what you say in them is mostly positive). Specifically, Amazon categorizes 3 star reviews as critical. We are not saying we’ll ask you not to post your review, we’ll never do that.
However, if you think there are major problems with the book to the point you’d rate it 3 stars or below, we’d prefer to know ahead of time and may ask you to hold the review until after release week.
We understand this is a gray area and we are respectful of your opinion, but ask that you respect the time and energy that the author spent putting into the book and the effect a 3 star or lower review may have on a successful launch.