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My question to you is...
What do you expect the new core to do for you that you cannot already do?
The core is there to support the modules, which provide the true functionality. I have seen many sites that have done a tremendous job using stock XOOPS and modules. Just look at some of the sites listed on XOOPS Groups or even some of the sites of members here. If you need specific functionality, you can commission a custom module - Instant-Zero, Inbox International, XoopsLance are all places you can obtain custom XOOPS work.
Really good modules, or parts of them, get evaluated and may become part of the core. I look at the work of phppp and see his Framework and xoopseditors and think they should be part of the core and probably will be; also the work of GIJOE and his Protector module has many aspects that will be incorporated in the core. But, the true driving force of any framework is the developers that add extensions and modules.
If Microsoft can't hit their delivery dates for a new release, development must not be as simple as you think it is.