We have to face reality... And ridiculous claims as per "they are shipping" are just confusing uninformed users, which can also be easily blinded by greed.
Yes, the fact they are now listed as "shipping" here is rediculous too:
https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Mining_hardware_comparisonTo be fair I don't really consider Avalon to be "shipping" either, but I can cut them slack since they are not actively taking unlimited orders and their website and advertising doesn't draw you to make an impulse buy. After being away from the bitcoin scene for awhile, the only reason I'm not on a BFL waiting list is because when I read the fine print about no refunds for any reason, I thought WTF? and decided to do some investigating.