Interesting post-- thanks for taking the time to do the research and actually contact Lindberg.
I would suggest that people only contact Lindberg if they are serious about the kit-- don't say you want one just so that the company will produce it for someone else. imagine the impact on the comapny if hundreds of people who have no intention of buying the kit say they want it...... this isn't voting for American Idol, after all.
I must say that I found it rather amusing when you said "people expected a kit similar in quality to the Revell Gato". Really? Who thought that? Given Lindberg's history, have they ever produced a kit of that quality? I've built lots of Lindberg kits-- I appreciate them for what they are, and don't expect more. (I'm not picking on you-- I realize you were exagerating to make a point-- I'm just saying I found it funny.)
Personnally, I was intrigued by the kit when it was announced-- and I assumed it would be like other Lindberg kits-- a model of subject not available anywhere else, not up to par detail-wise with other amnufacturers' offerings, but with a real potential for RC conversion. IMO, the kit still fell short, with the obvious shape issues.