Given Surefire's back logged production and time it takes for the product to actually hit the market. I would just go ahead and purchase one.
The rumored M3 with A2 characteristic might be my next light serious ($250+), if and when it ever comes out (uhmm, could be tomorrow, could be 2 years form now.)
Companies are always coming out with new products in general. I have an 05 Mazda Tribute but in a few months the 06's will come out. Same goes with computer parts, very high output of new products.
Just random thoughts I guess. I needed one two cell light, so I bought the U2 (saves me money by having less flashlights to take care of, sold me L2 and E2e for it.) Will Surefire come with a better light than the U2? You bet your sweet behind, but thats the latest 2 cell light from them on sale now (E2e was my first SF, then L2, and now the U2 takes the top of the list, I know something for a fact will take overthe U2, just takes time.)
So for now, my two main lights are the Surefire U2 and M6. Sure I have others (Tigerlight, Longbow, etc.) but those two are my go to lights (U2 for low, M6 for high.) Also kind of surprised I would spend that kind of money for a flashlight ($392 + $270) but believe me, they are worth it (I seem to compare every flashlight to these two.)
where in NYC are you? I spend a lot of time in either Brooklyn or SI.