at what point does the debt get sold to a debt collector thus causing you more trouble and pain than paying for a notary would cost? Also if you're in the US and maintain a bank account, many banks offer free notary services.
IANAL
While it might be a nuisance to get a document notarized, it's not some extraordinary hardship. The policy is there to prevent abuse. If he prefers to let his bill go unpaid as a result of locking himself out of his account, that's his choice.
Not paying your bills because you lost access to your own account does not change this situation. The same way as that having no income or car or phone or internet and can't pay your other bills doesn't excuse those liabilities either.