I would ask the imps at larian to say nothing of a release period. We all know programming is a hard and frustrating task with lots of bugs to correct. It isn't wrong of me to think that a release delay could occur. Personally I like the doom³ style.
fan: when is doom³ comming out.
doom³ dev: When it's done.
If you are pushed to say a release period please make it 6 months later than projected. That way if it actually done on time we can say "WOW your guys are so smart it took you 6 months less"
sincerly yours
a games who's waithing on halflife 2 and duke nukem forever
PS: About the secret project. I know it's secret and all, but could you realease a riddle or rebus or something else one month before the official announcement that has us searching for hints on what the project could be (somthing to keep the members buzy).