I don't like winning on time either, but just like in a blitz game the time keeps the game going. I don't think the points are affected differently than regular losses (not time losses) but you'd have to ask eric
Winning on Time
If you are going to be very busy and running out off time and do not want to lose on time Put yourself on vocation until you have made your moves.
No need to lose on time.
I mentioned this in another thread and I'll say it again. There should be some kind of negative incentive for players who let a game expire on time. You wouldn't immediately suffer any consequences if you let a few games expire -- as you say, circumstances can happen to anyone. But if you pile up such games, it would be reasonable to, say, limit the number of games that person can start (this would encourage them to finish the ones they're losing rather than ignore them).
I know this adds a negative part to the site and people will say "can't we all just have fun?" Unfortunately, the answer to that question is "no, some people like to act like jerks." I believe the normal user would hardly notice this, except that there would seem to be fewer jerks on the site.
This being on-line chess I realize that there has to be some way to control the length of the game and force moves to take place; however, winning on time is certainly not preferred....
What are your thoughts?
Other than the really short games, does anyone know if your points are affected differently than if you won or loss via checkmate? And, if so, how?