I think pausing is a terrible solution to this problem.
I can understand a differing opinion, but "terrible" seems like an odd word to use. Its not like reinventing the wheel here, pausing is a known and acceptable solution in these types of games, and since it would be completely optional (i.e. don't pause if you don't want to), I don't understand the reaction against it.
The more options they can give the player to control the game in a fun way, the better, especially since we all don't agree on what "fun" is.
