I don't even know what filter you guys are using to parse reality but I would urge you guys to look for a replacement.
I've never gotten the impression that Swen was doing anything except for playing a role and that the people involved are there voluntarily and that everything he is doing and saying is tongue-in-cheek. It's got to be a nice break for them to be able to dress up, play out a couple of skits with props and costumes in front of an audience of about 10-15k people. If somebody didn't want to get involved I am sure there are plenty of other people happy to take their place.
Also calling someone autistic as if it were an insult, c'mon, really?
As for 'marketing fluff' can you give me an example?
Frankly I love seeing people excited about stuff they are into. Hyperactive, bouncing around nerding-out like a dork excited. I wish everyone could be that excited about what they do for a living.
Anyway, fingers crossed for this happening in the next two weeks. My army of multiplayer nerds grows impatient for new content. Bets have been placed. Honor is at stake.