I think better than offline SG members (which would be awesome but don't think would be workable) would be like someone said have servants, butlers, maids, etc.. Afterall what is Dr. Frankenstein without Igor, what is Dracula without Renfield...I doubt whatever citizens in the Rouge Isles would give up the info like the COH npcs do about time played and such, so why not have whatever servants you have in your lair tell you, that way they give your base a 'not-empty' feel and give you that small info...two birds with one stone...