I'm currently running a test on the Beta site and the results will be posted - when I have 'em - here:
http://www.playdiplomacy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=8243&p=95600#p95600.
As for what your questions where:
- Diplomat put 2+ because the original intention was for 2 turns, but it turned out to be 3 (I think - see test results).
- I think it's only main season turns that are counted because not every player will have to enter orders for Retreats and Builds, plus sometimes you can't build when you should be able to (home SCs occupied). I also think Retreats and Builds aren't seen as separate game turns but rather as phases within the Spring/Fall turns (the Winter season name that is used for Builds not mentioned anywhere in the Rule Book as far as I know and never being intentioned to be). There isn't meant to be any diplomacy during these turns, after all.
- As for the four turns that you encountered in your game, I can't explain that unless the player actually entered a move (all holds obviously). But maybe the results of the test will indicate what is happening. I'm also testing to see if the sequence of NMRs is broken by a Build or Retreat order.
OK for what actually happened click on the link above. However, in summary: To be honest I'm not sure what I've learned from this other than it
does seem that NMRs need to be consecutive. The number of game turns needed to surrender the countries doesn't seem to fit the 3 NMR rule, although this might be just a failing in the Beta site programming or just how the Beta site works with test accounts. All surrenders - including those of Russia and Austria - are recorded as Spring 1901 in the Beta site in-game Shoutbox in this game. I think that to make any firm conclusions it will need to be tested on this site. I'll have a think and come up with something.
I wouldn't suggest playing yourself for 4 hours. Spend your time doing something more fruitful. Sort your underwear drawer out or something
