Since I know everyone in here is always looking for more info... I don't have a whole lot but I'll just pass along what little I know...
Over the past week or so I've sent Damian several emails. He's responded sometimes the same day, and sometimes in a few days. Important thing is that he's responded to every email I've sent him in the past two years.
This past week he told me that he expected my game to be ready for assembly in 14 weeks but was hoping to shorten the timeline.
My game is #249. I ordered early but deliberately asked for the latest number (250 was either taken or just not available) in order to give myself as much time as possible to raise funds. However, I don't think this matters as I believe that they make the games in the order of which the orders are received. That is what Damian told me way back when orders were first taken but this could have changed. Previously, he told me that I could wait till the end, regardless.
Just for the record, I'm not opposed to Haggis making unique 'Mermaid' edition stuff available to future purchasers of 'regular' Mermaids. I'd rather them do what they have to do to survive. I don't believe 'greed' has anything to do with it. I'm not saying anybody is wrong for being opposed. I completely understand why people who have purchased 'Mermaid' editions would be upset about it. Though, admittedly, it doesn't matter to me that the games are limited. I would have purchased the game at the same price even if it was unlimited.