Yes, time limits on moves would be a must for TCI/IP play. A real benifit to the game. However, in some cases, that does cause crashes as the packets get lost. (Rebellion, BOTF)
Overal, I think its much more important to support TCI/IP than anything else at this point. Make the game universally accessibable to players over TCI/IP, and the game will grow in leaps and bounds.
Look how long BOTF was active at the Zone. Dispite its flawed MP, it was still a great game to play, and poeple played it there for over a year and a half. Rebellion was also a success in that regards although limited to only two players. (that was its down fall)
SEIV has the potential to be a "long term" game. You set up in the morning, and play all day. Of course, you would want to play with about 5 to 8 players, with a medium galaxy (100 to 125) systems.
Otherwise, you'll be saving and coming back to it again and again.
The one BIG problem with TCI/IP games is the fact that people can not dedicate the needed time to play a full game. They will often, more than not, drop out resulting in a CRASH. AOL players get shafted here as AOL will regularly shut down there connection. The people with Cable and DSL will get spiked every two or three hours as there provider randomized there IP's on a DHCP system. (Same as getting disconnected for a minute or two)
Over all, TCI/IP will be boost to the game, but it does have its draw backs. But the players of this game are dedicated types, and I would hope are into a game for the long hull.
Well those were just my thought.
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"We've made too many compromises already, too many retreats! They invade our space and we fall back -- they assimilate entire worlds and we fall back! Not again! The line must be drawn here -- this far, no further! And I will make them pay for what they've done!" -- Patric Stewart as Captain Picard
UCP/TCO Ship Yards