Original Message -----------------------
(Snip) What do you see as the reason for the shorter games?
Brad
Hi!
I'm convinced this game was never meant to be played as a true shared experience. This game was meant to be played more "gun boat" style with players communicating via snail mail, the occasional phone call, or for the very techno-savvy indeed, the odd email (or Mouth of Sauron article).
However, with more and more people going to dedicated websites, internet groups, and email lists, the ability to set up and execute complex, crushing manuvers has escalated.
The neutrals are easier to locate and communicate with as well, allowing for quick decisions to be made rather than a protracted "Send a note in with your turn, wait a turn, get a note back with your next turn, try to exchange physical addresses, start sending letters, etc." that would mean 1/10? 1/100th? the number of commications with Neutral player before turn 5.
So... in my mind? The reason for the shorter games is the internet. Plain and simple. Cursed kids and their new-fangled whatcha-macallims anyways! 
Jeffery A.