If I choose to use PandA and it's collecting HITs, do I get penalized in some way if it times out? That's my biggest concern. Also, can I set filters for what it collects by a general filter or is it only designed for HITs with identifiers such as Group ID? Thank you in advance!
Assuming your question is about a specific program or script that creates the Pandas and not the Pandas themselves? If you send too many requests, too frequently to Amazon, they will throttle you. You see this noted as PRE's in programs like HIT Catcher (in MTS) and QBC.
No penalties for hit timers expiring, if that is what your asking about. To create a Panda you need either a groupid or a requesterid.