Well fixed hours are not so important - more important iare 2 turns a day. So its ok with me - but if we succed to play at fixed hours it will be even better.
Actually I was thinking about normal scales, but hard reasearch, Late Era. I was thinking also about some AI set to very difficult - more to make this game some kind of epic then as a chalange. We could set AI to might nations and we would take those weaker. But as i said - its just a tought.
Diplomacy yes, but I suggest emails for fast communications. Negotations thru "in game system" can last longer then the nation exists
What are your ideas?