My appologies if this has been discussed before. Every idea seems like it has been thought for the first time if you think it.
but how about a postpone button which if clicked by a two thirds majority of the players halts the game (stops the game clock) for 12 hours, 24 or 36 hours or whatever.
I see you are considerring or actualy putting on a Speed version of the game, so it would be useful here.
Even in the normal time game the worst part of Missing turns is the anticipation of a go... and then maybe i could go away from a computer for a weekend.