that's the case then that's horrible. I wasn't aware of games 6-7 being set up immediately after game 5 but I didn't check it early (hell, I'm so used to it being late I don't even check until 5 hours late now) and had sent my away instructions immediately after I finished my home game in game 5.
If they started without you and didn't follow the manual and the stated schedule then you should be allowed to submit aways and the games should be replayed. That's a tough break for the other team but the rules should be followed consistently.