I fear that something has gone terribly wrong (or right) with 1.3.  We were told that the lengthy 1.2 beta just meant that 1.3 beta would be released earlier because it was being simultaneously developed.  Your quote in the original post also seemed to confirm that 1.3 was right around the corner.  So here are some theories for the rest of the forum to vote/comment on.

A.  1.3 beta is not all that close to being ready (and never really was)

B.  It is now realized that EFE is so freakin awesome, they've decided to focus exclusively on it and forget about EWOM 1.3

C.  Brad is really hoping to make a splash with 1.3 to try and save the EWOM franchise so he's going to spend a few more weeks/months on it adding a bunch more features before releasing 1.3 beta

D.  1.3 beta comes out on Thursday

E.  Brad is taking his own time on it because he wants to

My expectations are a little higher than yours, Xia.

I am concerned about the complete silence on several aspects that many have posted about, e.g.:

caravan management

unit upgrades

store interface

etc.

Usually, we would have heard a bit more about what was coming up and when.

Just hoping to get a time frame.

I may not like the answer, but I think knowing for certain would be better in this case.

Option E: I'm taking my time on it because I want to.

Take your time.  I want lots of good stuff. 

Yes, this is a good point.  Don't make statements of apparent fact if there's any reasonable chance of the "fact" not being backed up by actions.  In other words, don't promise things that are not 110% set in stone.

Best regards,
Steven.

Good point.  But you want moar too.

Best regards,
Steven.

I never promise anything.

Yes Brad, I agree that it was not a promise, that was a mistake on my part, and I got carried away when I wrote that statement you quoted.  But alborelli also used the word "promises" ("However, as usual, don't make promises"), which as it happens was where I got the initial idea seed from.  However, I'll leave that premise behind if you will leave it behind too.  Deal?

Best regards,
Steven.

My philosophy is to just try to share with people what I'm working on. Transparency in function.

Of course, the gamer community is well known for their understanding...

I'm hoping next Thursday. It won't be feature complete by any means but some of the gameplay changes are pretty significant and already make, imo, a big difference in the "fun" area.

From all of us who play EWOM (or those who only hope to want to someday), thank you Frogboy for your dedication to this game.

YES!

Thanks very much for that info!!!

And Xia, I was speaking more for the dedicated folks that are still following the game.

Yeah, a big ditto on that from me.