The whole point of the homework policy was to make sure that class started on time. That was critical given that the most important part of the class was the first 10 minutes. Accepting homework from students who walked in late would have ruined that.
The apparent harshness of the policy was softened by the fact that only 3/4 of your homework sets counted. Therefore not being allowed to turn in a homework set or three wasn't a big deal.
As for preventing students from feeling embarrassed, my strategy was to try really hard to make sure that they succeeded on the questions. I would guess I averaged perhaps one missed question per week.
The apparent harshness of the policy was softened by the fact that only 3/4 of your homework sets counted. Therefore not being allowed to turn in a homework set or three wasn't a big deal.
As for preventing students from feeling embarrassed, my strategy was to try really hard to make sure that they succeeded on the questions. I would guess I averaged perhaps one missed question per week.