Well of course they are going to say it will be ready by the first of the year- what is the point in even asking that? Most of us want to get going on this like yesterday - and yes, it has been a long year waiting for this. There is no way this is going to be "stable and bug free" anytime soon, but I would be happy with the basics, and a supported upgrade path or procedure so we don't have to keep reinstalling and reconfiguring this every new beta. Already I have noticed, they are getting see more much less feedback on the forums - a few people have live sites but most are waiting for this. They won't learn much new until this has been "battle tested" - at least with some trial communities. I've noticed that until just recently they were releasing a beta every two weeks. I'm hoping (maybe foolishly) that we will get the last one, or maybe even the first RC this Friday.

Rob

p.s. Lightwolf - I am giving myself a thumbs down / negative vote on this comment to save you the trouble.