1. A method of using a standby data storage system to detect a condition of a cluster of data storage servers that control changes to a primary data storage, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: designating one or more of said data storage servers with a status within said cluster; encoding said status into log data that reports changes to said primary data storage performed by said cluster of data storage servers; transmitting said log data with said encoded status from said primary data storage to said standby data storage system; and determining, at said standby data storage system, an operating condition of said cluster of data storage servers based, at least in part, on said status.