Hi again Jack,
Sorry I was drawn away earlier today. Vstep are not running any servers for either SS2008 or Extremes. However if you go to the website you will find a download for a server for SS2008 which enables you to set up your own server. I am ashamed to say that I don't know quite how it works as I am still a bit of a "lone wolf" in that I like to sail alone!!!
somewhere there is a post or two from "Stormforce", (I think) on how to do the same for Extremes.
Your comment about the clientele for Ship Simulator games is true, but like you, I am conscious that a while ago this forum, and thus players of the game, was very busy. At the bottom of this page it shows that 213 were online in 2009 one day in May, and even today some 76 people were on line, not a huge mass I know, but it does show an abiding interest is still there.
Regards,
Angus