Good post, MysticPuma.
You end your post with saying "...it really would go a long way to make us believe we aren't being ignored and hung out to dry?"
The anticipations were high, like you said, and 1C tried to deliver but misjudged the effort needed.
Now the game just costs money and takes time from the sequel.
Check the last quote of B6 in this thread.
http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showthread.php?t=32600
Lets file this game under "Too high ambitions. Couldn't deliver." and get ready for flying a Yak.
Gonna go play some Fifa whilst dreaming of the Essex again.g