Access to graded items prior to required Tin Cans

We are very excited to see the Tin Can time requirement implemented. We think it will make our instructors' job a lot easier when it comes to tracking students' engagement. However, we have noticed that the more custom settings we add to the Lessons, the more possibilities exist that we create a snowball effect for the student if they happen to start getting behind. While we want the student to watch every Tin Can lecture in their courses (equivalent to attendance), we wouldn't want them to be forced to miss graded Discussions or turn in Assignments and Tests late due to a tardy (late Tin Can). However, when we place these graded items into a Lesson, they become part of the "required order." We could potentially use Link sections that take them to the assignment page instead of using actual Assignment sections in the Lessons, but that defeats the purpose of the other features offered (not to mention it would be a lot of work to update those links every semester). 
Is there a way that the Availability window can override the required items in such a way that students can: 
1) participate in Discussions anytime prior to the closing date/time? 
2) take Tests any time within the availability window? 
3) turn in Assignments anytime prior to their due date/time? 
Thank you!