My issue with the missing statement of retained earnings is that Retained Earnings include more than JUST the P/L from previous years. It is where you also show the cumulative effects of  retrospective accounting adjustments for prior period errors, change in entity, or change in accounting principle.  It is also where you pay distributions from, the cumulative P&L not the current P&L this is how you determine if it is a return of equity or in fact a shareholder dividend.  

My problem with quickbooks is that it is truly a bookkeeping software that people want to use as an accounting system but it has it limitations. The statement of RE is necessary for GAAP accounting.