Oh, that's a major bummer. Did you check if they posted that they would be AFK, either on their own LJ or on this post? If not, then that's terribly rude to not even acknowledge the story. But from some of the posts at the YT comm, I guess it happens way more than it should. Sometimes, recipients who default "drop out" of the whole YT experience. They should still acknowledge their own gifts, of course, but are maybe too ashamed? Or maybe it was something Beyond Their Control. I mean, you hope nothing really bad, but shit does happen.

I hope that story did get some feedback, even if it wasn't from the intended recipient. Your misgivings aside, I'm sure it's worth reading--you wouldn't have posted it otherwise. :)