No question--- MachFive users got dissed. Not having any substantive info on the delays offered little encouragement. The only thing that was released was a fairly scripted note that went to those who e-mailed MOTU saying it was "on it's way" or "it would be ready when it's ready".miffed wrote: I agree that Vista was ridiculously delayed, but at least MS had the courtesy to keep people publicly informed to some degree. But my point wasn't that M5v2 is so delayed, but that many people paid for Mach 5 on MOTU's promise that version 2 was getting shipped during Q2 of 2005.
I have to admit that - tho I have been able to make limited use of Mach 5, the reason I paid all those hard earned sheets of cash was to use the much publicised and demonstrated features of the new version.
I can certainly understand that MOTU didn't want to be hounded, but they risked a certain loss of trust by keeping users so far out of the loop. 2.5 years and counting--- in all that time can anyone be blamed for buying another product? What remains is the question of how many of those who bought K2 or another sampler now have no use for any version of M5.
So many people held off on buying a MacPro just because they placed so much value in their MachFive library. Others who were not aware that M5 was not Intel compatible or those who had faith that MOTU would deliver M5 by the time they got a MacPro got hosed.
One thing that might have helped keep tempers from flaring so much would have been a simple blurb on the main page of MOTU's site saying something to the effect of:
1. M5v1.2.3 is the latest version and is not Intel compatible
2. M5v2 has been delayed because of -------- (reasons beyond our control)
3. M5v2 will be the first version that will be Intel compatible
4. Our original promise to registered M5 users to upgrade to version 2 (will/will not) be honored
So many other developers put such info on FAQ pages or version history notes in one single very easy to find spot. If the release of M5v2 is not among the most frequently asked questions, then I don't know what is.
But, this is where humour has proven to be a healer. I've laughed away my anxiety over M5v2. Now, I'm wondering if I've not laughed away my need for it as well. If it's still being offer for free, then it may be a non-issue.