As an someone who has been REO for various care clubs since 2004 then I can totally understand what Colin is saying. I had one occasion whilst RX8 REO when a member who had text me on the morning saying he was on his way, but then failed to show up.
I delayed the meet set off whilst we waited for him, spent half hour checking traffic websites for accidents, all the time tryin to call him without success.
Whilst I agree that circumstances can mean that it's not possible to inform before, or even immediately after, surely it isn't too difficult to post up and apologise.
I finally heard from him 3 days later when he came online to tell us all that he made it 10 mins from his house and realised he had promised to take his mother shopping. He just didn't think to let us know that he wasn't coming anymore.
Colin's post is just a polite reminder to members to avoid situations such as that.