That is mostly speculation. Cases took much effort too (and are still not entirely done), like with the Pandora where they were a major cause of delays.
Cases were an issue, yes. But, how many times have we been through the cycles of...
...boards will be a while to populate but that is OK because we're waiting on the cases...
...cases will be a while to incorporate changes, but that is OK because we're waiting on the boards...
There was even a point in time when people complained that they thought keyboard discussions were delaying the project.
If everything electronically were -done- at some point in that cycle, there would have been a much more concerted push for the cases.
Now, there are some benefits. From what I understand, following along from the sideline, there were a lot of other issues in the SoC board design that were cleared up. Issues with voltage drops where the 2GB chips didn't care, but the 4GB chips failed was only part of the story. The 4GB 'issue' did help identify those and now, in theory, there could be a lot more stability in general.
Actual news of actual progress would be greatly appreciated. Short of that, having dates assigned to the next phase of prototype board population and whether the cases are 'final' and if the molds have been hardened (last step in mold development).
I consider myself to be a pretty patient person.
I waited 2.5 years for a Pandora - I was in the first 100 orders, others waited much longer. I paid for that unit up front, then paid again due to the project's banking issues. My 2nd Pandora was one of the very early 1Ghz orders. I paid for that one up front. After I received it I found out that C* had ripped off ED (didn't pay ED for the units) and donated the price of the unit (and then some) to ED.
Over 2.5 years ago ED opened pre-pre-orders for partial payment for the Pyra and 8 slots for Pyra Prototypes with full up-front payment at a significant premium. As many of you know, I'm #8 on that list. Yes, I'll keep waiting. Yes, I want it to be a very very good product. Yes, this is starting to drag on.
Need new news please.