To further the point, tanking works. If you have 12-18 months and don't mind losing, you can tank your way to a super team. Bumped Tanking 101 for you.
So, as a commish, I have a responsibility to 31 owners. While one may have had a run of bad RL luck, there are 30 others who were playing to reach the MWR. Therefore there can't be one rule for "Bad luck in real life" and another rule for "playing by the rules." In the worlds I commish, MG and Coop, I've had to wave bye to some good, attentive owners for failing to hit the MWR. Only one has had to be forcible removed(the tanker who was instrumental in the creation of 55/125/195/280 MWR) and only one complained loudly. So far three removals have returned and a fourth is on the waitlist.
And, FWIW, I'll remove myself if I fail to hit the MWR. One rule for 32 owners and all situations.