I remember an interview with Oleg at the fall 2006 and of course he was asked about the release date (
http://www.simhq.com/_air8/air_265a.html).
Q: Is December 2007 a realistic release date?
A: I hope and I need.
That is one year ago and back then I thought they have to have a rough idea about the release date. Obviously it didn't work out (well, chrismas is still some weeks to go
) and if csThor tells that they are planning in quarters there is still a long way to go. I'm not surprised that they don't want to give one wrong estimate after the other and rather keep quiet.