I understand the check-in system. It makes sure people that play in the tournament are actually there. However, it 100% shouldn't take the entry fee for those who don't check in.
I was the victim of this today. Even worse, it wasn't my fault at all! Splinterlands was down for a while and it didn't allow me to check-in. I saw that a few players managed to check-in but it was a super tight window and most couldn't get in.
This needs an urgent fix.