OK, shoot me down. In my opinion ignorance is no defence. We all work (and pay) for the privileges of our various licenses. There are certain things we are required, by law, to ensure. Airworthiness, aircrew fitness, NOTAMS etc etc....
If we do not personally ensure these aspects, we are failing in meeting our responsibilities. Yes, AIS may also have failed, but an individual cannot use this as a counter-argument.