I think my question has been answered, but indulge me while I set the notion more firmly. If I want to play, I sign up for a team. Assuming the members accept me (for a game already started), I join them in discussing/voting upon the next move, in the team's thread. There is a protocol for loading the game under my Civ IV BtS and for watching its progress, but the "leader" actually makes the team's moves.
Is this essentially correct? ... Many thanks.