starsari The real problem is people can go radio silent, and since this is all done over the Internet, it's hard to really do anything. Sure we can say if you go silent for X days, we will get another TL to do your work, but it's easier said then done. Sometimes people are really in trouble.
In the recent Philippines earthquake, one of our editors couldn't be contacted (he turned out to be fine). Is it fair to fire them because of an act of God?
Then, if after you wait for say 1-2 months and we assume the person is dead/quit without a word, etc, only then can you start searching for a new translator to continue the work. This period involves some time, since new translators can't just pick up work straight away as if nothing happened.