I'm noticing a trend where more and more players are asking to be removed from groups via Vote Kick so that they don't get hit by the penalty timer.

The Vote Kick feature is not there to help players dodge that timer so stop asking your team to use it to remove you from DF Dungeons/PVP groups. If you got into a party and you no longer want to be there then suck it up and take the penalty for leaving.

Telling your team "Please kick me please I don't want a penalty" is ignorant and inconsiderate to the rest of the group. Either give the party your all or get out on your own accord.

/endrant