I haven't heard bug reports on the sim. turns LAN helper for a while. Similar functionality has been included in Stars!2 and MOO2, and I guess some people find it useful (I do!).
I wanted to improve it but then I think we're better off with a well-tested Version. So here is the link to one that has been posted in the MOD section a while ago.
SE IV Miltiplayer Helper
Aub
[This message has been edited by Aub (edited 09 November 2001).]