Why am I still happy with my 975?
Because after 3½ years, it's still doing what it's supposed to. I still have a plasma, so 4k isn't an issue for me yet. So I'm still patiently waiting for the next pre-pro.
I'm in the same boat but with an 10+ year-old 990! The only thing that has kept my 990 in my system is its direct inputs and I have an Oppo BluRay player with direct outputs. I'm not questioning the 990's reliability, but it is soooooo out of date! I have chosen two options to replace the 990 should it fail in the near future and I hope, soon, Outlaw has a third. IMO this announcement has to include not only final product features but a date when it will be available to purchase.