The problem isn't the mystery release date.
The problem is Sony's silence and in effect dishonesty.
Just open, honest, and transparent. A little goes a long way. If you're having trouble printing the discs, let us know. If the lack of a firmware upgrade will cost you millions of dollars, let us know. Whatever it is, just let us know; we'll survive, believe me.
But the utter and complete silence is the problem. They did suggest they would have a release date available by the end of October, now it's well in to November and we still have not heard word one.
A little honesty goes a long ways Sony.