that a big problem. Its because one never know whether its a customer or a bad actor giving the bad rating. In the case of google, I would go through the process and tell them everything about the visit (proof it) and then, if it gets blocked, issue a complaint with the regulators/Bundesnetzagentur.

May be you also didn't chose the right legal counseling? Just wondering.. but yes. Its a weapon and each one utilizes it. I would go on the full with such things and give proof and write quotes for the time needed and send them to the businesses like "because you cant stand the truth, here is the quote for 1h search evidence, 1h write up, 1h ... this that. Its perfect legal to write quotes in Germany. Its important not to move away from your right.

the other thing is, you don't know whether the removal is initiated by the businesses or is an algorithm-change happend??? Thats also a known thing, businesses losing bad and good customer ratings. They also tend to sue google after for their good reviews.

good luck on all your paths you step onto ;)

I once also had a situation with a doctor. But at that time I said bye and let him do the work of removing the post. I think, I'll go visit his office one day and write the same thing again with a few additional photos that puts a ledger on my written thing.