I’m curious too as to the structure of sprints leading to launch. An optimistic list that assumes only a few hiccups would be nice to see. Like a count down to a happy new internet. The way I understand it is:
Remaining work on routing (1 week)
NAT traversal (1 week)
Finalize consensus algorithm (1 week)
Posix API (1 week)
Testnet for safecoin (2 - 4 weeks)
Unforeseen issues. (2 - 4 weeks)
Launch!
Total = (min) 2 months, (max) 3 months
It would be fitting if the live network launches at 12am January 2016 new years. Symbolic of our transition into a new era of secure communications. We techno geeks would have greater meaning to our new years celebration.
But I agree - before beta there needs to be alpha, so add 2-4 additional weeks.
Beta test will be with real coins, so there has to be a public test with fake coins.