Is there a release date for the new blockchain/swap? ...
No, there is not. Progress was made with both the new
code (a fork of a fork of PIVX) and the
swap interface. However; all that did unfortunately fall idle because of numerous personal reasons and time constraints cause by them.
... Can we discuss what features it should have to make it attractive to buy?
Certainly, yes. Masternode functionality was the most-spoken request and we do think it will suite Sterlingcoin well.