[Frimbler Degree]

I love this game! It is the highlight of my evening. Get the kids to bed. Watch the wife fall asleep watching the news and then on to Pirates. I need at least 10:30-12:30 every night. I've been playing with the same group of friends and guildspeople for several months.
At some time, when playing the game with the same people, conversation moves beyond "arrgh, kill the Marauder" to "How was your day?" I made the mistake of sharing my e-mail address in friend chat no-less with a good pirate friend who had disapeared for several weeks and suddenly reappeared. My Pirate friend had health issues preventing them from logging on. I was concerned and said "hey friend, I enjoy playing on line with you, let me know if you have any problems"
I am suspended for 72 hours for caring about an individual. there needs to be someway on Pirates, other than behind the back secret code for players to contact each other outside of the game. It sure helps when trying to schedule playing time to hook up with regulars/guild mates, or just be friendly with someone.
Any suggestions? How have you contacted or communicated with your friends and guildmates?