My real concern is that it doesn't sound like the 978 is being released soon if the sales model continues to be the way it has been for 3 years for the processors.
Sales model? What sales model? I can't remember the last time I saw an Outlaw advert (in digital or paper media). To be honest, I don't know how they move enough product to make it all worthwhile. They've built a brand around re-badging gear from other manufacturers with (sometimes) a few tweaks geared towards budget "audiophiles." What value does Outlaw offer these days? The Internet has made it a lot easier to find/purchase those diamonds in the rough that we used to rely on Outlaw to find for us. I'm not trying to be a jerk, just thinking out loud.
Best,