I had anticipated this earlier...The state AOM is in, it was MORE than evident that the release wont be before summer 2002. Infact i wont be surprised if its pushed a tad bit further still.
As far as Warcraft 3 goes, why its still an issue is, that irrespective, how long before itll be released, because the games are so similar in theme and genre, Warcraft III is going to raise the bar for all 3D RTS'. Every minute detail and polished elements that blizzard is so reknown for will be the comparasion scale between the two games. If youve been following War III, youll know exactly how refined the game already is and almost 9 months STILL from release. It is in this aspect that i think the people are ES are gonna get a run for their money. Come WAR III, they will be COMPELLED to look at AOM with an extrememly scrutinized view, and ask themselves "Have we done the best we could?"....the answer to that question, is what, this argument is all about....Laters..