I'm trying to convince myself you don't have the right answer here.

My immediate reaction was this as well. Activision's influence is being felt here I think.

I have to agree. Activison most likely changed Blizzard's normal policy of "when its ready" to setting a more concrete shipping date. It just seems that they tend to run their business a bit differently than Blizzard does

Blame Activision: New Catchphrase. Nerf to your class? Blame Activision. Other class has an awesome buff? Blame Activision. Are the servers down for rolling restarts? Blame Activision.

I agree, I think Activision, although not publicly saying so, is pushing Blizzard for a release date. I also think, in part, it's the conglomerate fear of Activision and Blizzard about War Hammer Online, and get out the competition of WotLK as soon as possible that adds to this. Normally, I don't think we'd see this from Blizzard, but due to the merger, and circumstances of War Hammer Online already being release, things are different this time around.

I don't think (and I hope we don't) see too much more of this in the future. The "It's done when it's done" philosophy is something they need to stick to and other developers (EA, you hear me?) need to learn.

Look, I'm excited for Wrath too. I have no doubt that Blizzard will put the polish on it through patches and stuff... I mean, it's an MMO so it's constantly evolving anyway. But I think we all know this is a money/shareholder decision (Activision was counting on 4th qtr WotLK revenue since, what, June?) and it is a little sad. Not for Wrath so much, but for the future. What else will Blizzard do because Activision makes them?

Really what a pile of BS, how can they possibly balance classes without finished talents?!!!!!!

And not only will they not be finished for expansion, they won't be finished for the patch.

I think it about time blizzard stops blowing smoke up our butts.

Lies, damn lies, and Kalgan.

It is not Activision, it is the almighty dollar that led to the timing of the release date.

Actually, blame Warhammer.