On the flip side of that, if everyone followed your rule there would be many fewer PbPs running on this site.
Realistically, High Arcane & Xethinix are
not running. You cannot count them and thus adapting a you must be active rule wouldn't change anything at all in those threads. In fact, if the rule was implemented SirP's
would you like to help me DM thread would be in the main PbP area gathering more views and when the planning was settled for restarting the High Arcane game it would move out of the Retired area and into the Current area. No harm done.
But, the expectancy that people whom said they want to play actually will do so will promote players to recheck the thread often for their turn to come up. And when it does, the other players know they won't have to wait long to see your actions. This promotes game activity, general traffic for the site to keep the owners happy, and no one gets bored or forgets what their characters did on their last turn over four months ago.
The only "loss" is people who are not around, who are not posting, who are not contributing, are expected to mention as much or get called out on it. Can you deal with that? If you're bitching, then no you can't. Obviously. But honestly, Mr Asshole SorO wants to remind you about something: No one gives a shit about your excuse of being too busy. You are seriously underestimating and insulting everyone else you play with whom are just as busy if not busier yet still manage to find the time to post when you claim you're far far far more busy than they are and thus cannot post. Man up to the real reason and try posting something like "I don't have time but would love to play, is there a way I can squeeze in?" I'm sure people would be willing to work with you on it.