Numist: Actually, the only reason MS is rushing Bungie is because they figure bunches of people will cancel Live if Halo 2 doesn't come out soon. Otherwise, Billy G has stated he wants this version to be as ground breaking as the first was, and not to release it until it is. MS knows deep down (they won't admit it at least!) they really only have one true distinct game, Halo. If they screw that up.... Well, rest assured it won't be released until it is SLICK!
Deflock: Let's just say it pays to keep in touch with friends.. Remember those guys you used to think were dorks because they got 3 masters degrees? Those are they guys that work for MS now!
Actually have a few buddies who work for MS, all on the platform side. One takes his vow of silence to the extreme, but if you talk to him during Live games he sometimes forgets what he is/isn't allowed to say. The rest are straight up guys that have no issue answering most of my questions.
Darkfalzsux: Lemme ask for ya. Can't promise a quick answer, but I do talk to some people daily.