Main question

Same thing here, although my email was authenticated in December. I'm not sure on whether I had the enable email checkbox checked. Probably had anyway. By the way, Siebrand tells not to communicate with him by email usually... not sure if that has something to do with not getting a response.

(I see it's been a while since you posted here; wonder if you're still waiting too?)

Yes I am still waiting, but it's strangely quiet compared to all the hype when they wanted some work done

I don't think there's a need to get snarky. I think it's pretty clear that (a) we honour our commitments, even if they are delayed, and (b) we all have honest and sincere intentions.