This is one of the few cases someone would ever use the TT email, and it states clearly in the first post of every TT thread where someone should send in case of emergency. It's our (the players') responsibility to know the rules, and while that doesn't always happen, I don't think someone should be penalized for following what he or she is supposed to do which is basically what is happening here.
I accept the decision as this case was extreme, but if this were to happen again, I hope it is clear beforehand on what the outcome will be.
Not complaining as I know the board does a great job of trying to satisfy everyone and this was a case nobody foresaw, but it's something to consider clearing up if this were to ever happen again