[Gandalf Parker]

Actually very little of that has to do with whether its direct connect or pbem. Most of it has to do with the server and the person running the game. But basically everything available to one is available to the other if they want it. There is nothing about direct connect vs pbem which makes most of those things any different.

1) Not much reason this couldnt be accomplished the same way.
2) Also available in the same way. Thats a server thing, not specific to the mode.
3) Same again.
4) Same again.
5) Same again.

6) The only difference I see here is that "quick host" might be abit quicker with direct connect. So if you are the last person making the turn for that game then it might be harder to turn in another turn correcting your error. But if its a concern then direct connect can be done offline, and only connect when you are sure.

7) I believe that if you do all 4 at the same time instead of telling the game "I no longer play this one but instead play another" then the cleanup doesnt occur.

8) Im not sure if no-need to password protect is a good reason not to. But many people play on my server without it. Only occasionally have I ever had a complaint and that was even more rarely proven to be purposeful. In any case it was easily handled. I do see who does each turn.

The information files you refer to are a basic part of the game. The stats are by using the --statfile switch, and the scores from the --scoredump switch (already created in html webpage). Both are standard on all of my games, even the little blitz ones. I also often offer email notifications, email of turns, sms text messaging to cell phones, ftp, and a variety of other options for notification and turn handling.

While the LLama and Matryx servers have done wonderful jobs, they are both working with the same material. I tend to offer some extras like more switch support (such as for AI) or turning off the ability for players to go AI. I do admit that my server is hurt by the lack of a menu system. Its wide open for what the person running the game wants to do. If the various forums didnt already have me running over 100 active games I might fix that. But be cheered, if you choose to run a game on my server all of those options and more will be available. And I am usually available in the Chat (the link up by the Forums Rules on this page) if anyone has any questions about this.