[Urendi Maleldil]

How about a simultaneous multiplayer game generates a 'spectator' file (if that option is selected) each turn.

That file is then emailed to anyone who wants to observe (but not participate in) the ongoing game. Such a file could contain battle replays, player logs, and views of each system in the game. The only downside i can see of this is cheating: if a spectator shares useful info with a player. (but that's why the option to turn it off is there) Maybe if each player had the option to select whether or not they want to be invisible (activate option for 'secret' actions or if they just don't want people looking over their shoulder) and not be seen in the spectator files.