A proper launch for the 3870X2 would mean immediate availability, good reference OC, and good drivers. MSRP decides how many computers you want your product in. Now then...
I over clock my system generally to near single stage levels with a chiller that can go -40c. My Opteron 185 does 3.3 24/7 bench. 3.2 in case. My 3dmark score is over 11k with a 8800gts 320 and ddr s939. I use DI from time to time on a bench to test CPU's. Gaming is my focus.
So, I want a reliable, usable, affordable product from a manu, that has a high standard for its OEMs in the support area, on launch day.
No reason to hide from standards.