Well, for what its worth -- a lot of info does come out here first. And, there have been special offers made only to forum members. However, the SHOT show is traditionally a time for announcements in the shooting industry.
Karl and Eric do every much appreciate the forum and the loyal fans who frequent this site. However, you have to understand that the internet is a two headed monster in many ways. This forum is largely a great benefit to them in helping to spread the word -- but internet ramblings cause them lots of trouble too. Many more people use the internet as a place to complain than they do to praise. If one anonymous person doesn't like your product--their opinion can spread like wildfire whether they know of what they speak or not.
As for secrecy -- I think Rohrbaugh treats product introductions a lot like Apple. If you don't give a due date, you can't be late. If you don't make promises about new products before they are actually ready, you don't disappoint. The new model is scheduled to be ready for SHOT -- and that is when it will be done and the specs are finalized. I don't think there is a lot more to it than that.
And I think that the R-9 has had quite a bit of magazine coverage. It's been on the cover of American Hangunner twice I think, and featured in a lot of reviews elsewhere. I suspect another one is coming. I have personally published a review of the R-9 on two occasions. Given the number of units that are sold, the coverage is really pretty good.
As for whether they care -- this is pretty much their life. They work long hours in a small company making guns, and trying to recoup their investment and make enough money to keep making guns. They are certainly not getting rich, so I sure hope they are enjoying themselves, at least.
