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The bugs in Google Maps and Google Places seem to always be endless, but yea - a Google engineer or more are always working on fixing the issues.
Specifically with "owner replies", we've had an issue where owners were unable to reply at least a few times. That being said, it is an issue again.
Google's Maps representative, Vanessa said it is not just an issue, there are "many issues" with it.
She said in a Google Places Help thread:
There are many issues with owner responses right now, the engineers are working on it.
These engineers are always so busy on Google Maps related issues - must be exciting.
Forum discussion at Google Places Help.
