sturle, thank you for your efforts to provide factual and level-headed information. Regarding this:
Regarding other fiat withdrawal option, I expect most of their problems will be resolved within a month, and the fastest fiat withdrawal option (except domestic JPY and manual express international wire) to take less than a week before Christmas. I'm willing to bet 1 BTC on this.
I haven't seen any evidence that the international wire transfer situation is improving. What do you base your optimism on? Do you have information that isn't publicly known?
I feel a disturbance in the force. Based on hearsay, perceived optimism and speculation based on some recent developments.
For the international wire situation to improve, other popular withdrawal methods have to be added. I don't think any bank would take on a company like MtGox with 600k high risk customers using international wires on a regular basis as a customer. The wire load must be reduced, and the only way I can see them do that is by adding new methods.
Noticed that OKPay deposits are back? Have a look at the wording
here:
OKPay is offering a solution, but in the meantime ... I.e. the shutdown is temporary until MtGox can implement the solution offered by OKPay. Looks like this has been done, at least partly, because the meantime is over for deposits. Hopefully for withdrawals as well soon. And there is a new bank for JPY domestic transfers, which means development for banking as well.
I just hope the government shutdown in the USSA (is the Congress some kind of hospital for the mentally deceased?) doesn't stop the MtGox/CoinLab case from making progress. For now this may be in the way of getting any other partners in the USSA.