What would be a realistic release date in your opinion? Personally I'd be surprised with 2015.
I think it could be done within a few days after Gemini is becoming a trust company - they had more than 2 years to prepare the ETF. Not sure if that's in 2015, but it could be.
There is no way the SEC is gonna let it pass using the last S-1A
There is a 90% chance they will submit another S-1A and remove exchanges like btc-e, mtgox, etc. They will replace all the foreign bitcoin companies and resources with things like Gemini, Coinbase Exchange, itBit and other regulated infastructure.
Then the SEC will review it again.
That sounds like the smart option but are you sure they must do this because if so then it could be another year before we see the etf launched.