I love the Mount and Blade series, ever since I played it many many many years ago.
I trust that the new product will be good but I don't agree with being so CIA-tight-lipped about release dates and such.
Especially a game that now has garnered a following as it does now with a proven success record.
Even a game as obscure as Kingdom Come

eliverance has managed to announce a release a date of February 13, 2018.
Granted, they haven't developed their own engine but they are a smaller company trying to be another Mount and Blade.
They've already charged full price to early release backers and people still play the outdated alpha demo they released.
I don't think I stand alone by saying that I'd be a little upset if that somewhat obscure indie company released a finished product before Taleworlds releases Bannerlord.
I'm not posting this to bash Taleworlds. I've been a longtime supporter and free marketer for the M&B series since its early days. It's just that I love this series and company and don't want to see it outdone -_-