Mike,
Thanks for the info.
I have no problem with longer deadlines...I was going by the houserules I saw listed with the Pericles variant as I didn't see deadlines listed with any other games so I wasn't sure what is expected on here--some of the judges at the Diplomatic Pouch think anything more than 72 hours is for wimps. I generally go with the flow wherever I am--I can play fast or slow, its up to the other players.
I'll let Trout know I'm available, I don't mind taking mercy positions. Sometimes they are a lot of fun and there is no pressure playing them as no expects you to do anything anyway.
Jack