Well, since you asked the question, I got to thinking and couldn't right off the top of my head remember EXACTLY how I came to learn of SEIV. I think I saw a brief explanation of the game (something of a very short "preview") of the game on cdmag.com in their news releases one day.
Best piece of news I've read in a long time, come to think of it!
SE2 demo: from GamesDomain(?) but spreadsheet combat didn't sit too well. SE3 demo: was fun and challenging as was the fullgame. SE4: eventually saw fan sites change logos, etc.
-MKC