League racing is competitive, sure it can be fun, but it's not designed with fun in mind. It's designed to be a competitive (e)sporting experience. Obviously some drivers take it more seriously than others, but never in our 10 years of running leagues (long before I was a member here) have we ever made leagues out to be a casual, nonchalant racing environment.
I completely understand that things come up in your personal life (work, family problems, emergencies etc.) that may make attending a race impossible, but the hard and fast rule is that a late sign out = penalty. Heck, if I break my arm on the morning of the next round and sign out because of it, then I'll take a 10pt penalty. It's just the way it is.
It's the same with any domestic sporting competition that you can join at your local club. If your team has to forfeit from a particular round, you are expected to inform the competition within 24hr of the game, else you'll have to pay either a fine, or you'll have it taken out of your team bond deposit.
It's there to discourage uncommitted drivers from taking the piss.