So I just checked the js code. There is indeed a sandbox call to pause/unpause the sim. So basically all the is missing is for Uber to enable it server side for us and a bit of UI. At the very least Uber could enable it to be allowed to be used hardcoded 3 times by every player each game. We could then mod us the rest in a mere hour or two.
Just handle it like paradox does it in europa universalis where anyone can unpause after a certain time. This game should absolutely have a pause button.
