Nope, sorry to disappoint you...

Haven't heard anything from him after that time, so no updates from my side.

I can only repeat my overall impression (beware : that's my personal theory only!), that they're still working on 'several things' , yet at a slow pace...
I also imagine that whatever they produce will be much more well prepared and tested, before going public with any part of it...

I think it would be only logical that they want to avoid a full-scale desaster like the one observed early this year  

I'm confident none of their Team considers any other Forum (such as this small one) a viable alternative to building and maintaining their own.
I do know they've been offered alot of Help, WebSpace, and a hosted Forum etc. , yet the offers were rejected or not realized.

Greetings
FalconFly