I don't know what to make of DF as a game, but in a way I feel bad for the developers.

They seem to want to play down expectations for the game, presumably because they've seen those that have went before them, and realize how hard you crash if you claim to be a "wow-killer" and then don't live up to the hype. It's almost like you can't release an MMO today without everybody assuming you think it's the best thing since sliced bread, and if it's not the end-all be-all to everybody, it gets dogged for "failing to meet expectations." If I were developing one now, I'd totally want to just keep it under wraps until it was done. I blame Brad McQuad =P

Yeah, I know, poor them...people want to give them money. I still say the hype, while necessary to a top-tier product, have a very tangible cost - especially if you aren't top-tier.

Anyway, hope it's a fun game.