I started a quest, but the lag was so bad that it wouldn’t load. I had to step away after a few minutes and by the time I came back, it said my time had run out, so apparently it did at least register that I was starting a quest. My question is, do these failed quests count towards quest-a-thon? I’m guessing not, but have to ask. :(

Failed quests do not count.

Hopefully you can get an extra wizard quest buff at some point and that will then even you out with the rest of the GA users but I wouldn't worry too much about it. The top 100 excludes tied users. n_n

that stinks! I almost had that happen to me too. Unfortunately like other's have said, they do not count.