People would do well to actually read the OP and all the updates so far. SB isn't entertaining Avalon batch 2, he's evaluating other "next gen" chips.
As I read it, he does not specify whether the "next gen" chips used would be from Avalon or not.
Next gen:
We have been working towards solidifying the redesign using next gen chips, and are cautiously optimistic. We cannot release any details at this time.
I will say for the record, that if the next gen design uses Avalon (next gen) chips, that greatly reduces my interest, and I'll probably pass. Using another vendor's chips (possibly with an adapter) is probably less likely to be technically feasible, but it's the only way I'd be interested, since I don't want to support Avalon anymore.