Aus/Nz/Pacific players?

[MuppetGank]

Just started playing this game and like it ALOT more than Empire, but i have a few questions id like answers for:

1. I have a very good pc and very good connection but i seem to be able to only play agasint people in AUS/NZ area (as im also in this area) without LAG, is this the same for everyone in this area? are there many aus/nz players out there? Also how do i view ping/latency in game?

2. Is playing by hotseat where for example: first player has his turn ends it, sends email to 2nd player ends it sends email to 3rd player etc. anyone know of a good FAQ/link about hotseat/PBEM?

[Pengo]

I don't play M2TW multiplayer, but after playing Soldat and WoW online I found ping times to be long. I also read a report done on Aus ISP's recently that stated Aus gamers generally have to suffer longer ping times vs the average person in the world.

[PrimeChaosVC]

I am a Singapore player, my steam account is terence_bob, if anyone using steam wants a few games of M2tw, plse contact me thru steam as it is always on when I am around. Asia pacific players should get together to play less laggy games!