I agree with Aiemond on this specific issue, MS hates when the spotlight is on competitors and it would do anything to "steal" it, this time it quite deserved its share of attention, even if NATAL is by no means ready for sale, it's already doing enough to be shown, but for want of anything better it would even eat a turd during its show.
About delays, well, considering what happens when MS tries to release early, so much better for the users.