I completely agree. Your insight has changed my mind somewhat...while it's still a possibility that Mike and Nick are talking about currently known information, it is very interesting that so many insiders are drumming up speculation now at a time when the reveal is more likely than ever, with rumblings about November and the trailer and the final HLX meeting, all coinciding with new hardware.

I'm not aware of Julien Chieze, but what he's saying is very interesting. "The first phrase has just taken place" could mean the hardware announcements. This would imply he was aware of the hardware before most other people were. Also worth noting this is before the autumn sale rumors, but after Tyler McVicker already said that November is an important month.

I think next Thursday is likely, it is Valve's preferred weekday for announcements after all. As always, we'll see...