a) who did you ask for this "solid" info
b) nothing new in that post about the 9000. 7hr standby life doesnt make sense though, not unless you are running apps. without any real load on the battery just having the device sitting there without sending/receiving shouldnt kill the battery at all.
c) it is almost a guarantee, judging by RIMs past releases, that the device releases will be staggered throughout the year.