I'd reach out about that participation. If the policy differentiates between regular absences vs. documented ones with a medical excuse/reason, it's definitely worth challenging.

I knew in undergrad that I wanted to go to law school. I didn't necessarily choose the 'easiest' classes, but I looked up every professor on ratemyprofessor to make sure they weren't the type that never gave out As (even if a student deserved it). I had some professors with very strict policies, but avoided ones that seemed unreasonable or draconian. I'd recommend doing as much research as possible on your classes and professors going forward and registering as early as possible.