Why worry about release dates? I did for RTW and was disappointed.

For MTW2, I ignored the hype and waited to about 9-12 months after release...then I could get an actual finished product with the 1.5 patches they begrudge us, plus the fan created mod that makes the game somewhat playable. (LTC)

Still like the series, but now I am wiser in when I purchase and thus avoid much of the disappointment.