Why the (insert explitive here) doesn't Live Chess have the 50-move rule or 3-fold repetition?????????  Or does it?  Perhaps I counted wrong or maybe I made a mistake but I very nearly lost on time in an obviously drawn position...... and only by luck did my opponent choose to exchange and get a draw by insufficient material.   Aren't 50 moves without a pawn move or a capture a draw?  Isn't it a draw when the same position is repeated on the board three times??  IAren't those standard rules??

Your recollection of the rules is off in one small detail: You need to claim the draw by threefold repetition or by the 50 move rule. Either side can claim the draw, but If neither side does, the game isn't drawn - after all, if both sides "want" to play, it's fine to do so.

Chess.com recognizes and can handle both; the "Draw" button isn't just for draw offers, but for draw claims as well. Once either threefold repetition or a 50 move rule case occur, you can press it for an instant draw. Try it next time!