I thought it had been pretty much established in previous posts that the author didn't really have any connection (not even as a beta tester) with CL.

Currently all indications are that Poser 5 is not even in the beta testing stage, and Kupa's own most recent announcement states that there is still a lot of work to be done (read 6 months minimum for development of such complex software). Remember that at the end of the day more time means a better, more stable product.

The reintroduction of the book ad (if it ever was removed) is probably in response to Kupa's pre-announcement, and, for the publishers, is probably a means of generating interest and extra income through pre-orders.