I was for example half expecting to see the much debated changes to the UAC being implemented already in the latest pre-RC builds (i.e. 7048 and 7057), but as it seems that has not happened.

However though, this slight delay in regards to time aspects might as well be exactly what Microsoft needs in order to get Windows 7 up to speed with Beta-testers and manufacturer’s demands.

So all in all it might not be as bad as it may seem.

As they say “it’s better to be safe then sorry”, and I believe that Microsoft definetly have taken this lesson into account from previous development experiences, and the problems they faced with Vista.

Though I have to agree, given how generally stable (not wholly, but by-and-large) the Beta builds since 7022 have been, its odd to push things back yet again unless there’s some show stopping bug the community is not yet aware of.

If the dates are accurate (which they seem to be at a first glance), it’s most likely that the presentation of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 in November will be equal to an official launch announcement for so called “general availability” of the product.

The timespan between RTM Master image release and the official launch will probably serve as a sort of breathing period for Microsoft and also as an implementation period of last-minute tweaks.