This isnt a mistake of someone just forgetting to dot an i. This is an egregious lapse of control. You get bombarded by your domain host for days and weeks about renewing before something like this happens and then you still get 30 days to recover it after your website goes offline before it can be purchased by anyone else.

What I have done is not a whole lot different than a utility provider or landlord charging a late fee or even buying a home out of foreclosure. Both are based on mistakes. The property I have just happens to be online and not in a suburb.