Bitmain said the upgrade kit for S1's would be available n a few months, by that time I fear they will be of little use
Who said that? I wrote them an email few days ago and they told me is going to be available very soon.
I sent them an email and asked when S1 upgrades would be available and the answer came back "
upgrade plan will be released in several months, please wait for our official announcement".
"upgrade plan will be released in several months"
This reads more like a trade in option. Probably when the S3 is no longer selling in large numbers.
Just think how many S1 farms you could control, if you had very cheep/free Chinese hydro electric, using free S1 returned units.