I have no interest in TCP/IP, so I can't help there.
For play-by-e-mail Simultaneous games, have you tried Play-By-Web (link)? It automates the file handling, and you can set up a game to use a "No AI" mod that minimizes the effects of the AI ministers.
PBW also supports a Real-Time Client, as an alternative to TCP/IP.
capnq
PBW admin
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Cap'n Q
"Good morning, Pooh Bear," said Eeyore gloomily. "If it is a good morning," he said. "Which I doubt," said he.