I was actually given this kind of relief, not because I was old back then, but I just got married. The brothers were very understanding and wanted me to continue pioneering even at that point it was clear I was not even close to fulfilling the pioneer quota. They said it did not matter that much just if I continue with pioneering would be great.
I had certain amount of self-respect left at that time and decided to leave pioneering as obviously I could not make the hours, but they really tried to tell me that it is not at all so important to get your hours, just being pioneer is important enough.
CP