Great to see an update (though would like to see some in-game previews to show progress). I notice Christmas has been mentioned as a possibility. I genuinely hope that this achievable, as there's nothing more disappointing or infuriating (especially after a wait this long), for it not to come to pass.
Don't get me wrong, SSMS2007 is/was incredible. Even today, has great replayability. It brought together a great bunch of people with a shared passion. My only concern is over this development time, that this once great and thriving community is lost, along with the greater part of your potential customer-base.
(For clarity, this isn't meant in a nasty, negative or fatalistic sense)