Regarding v7.0

A couple of questions and suggestions regarding v7.0:

1. How long before we can expect the release of v7.0 final?
2. If I use 7.0 beta now, will I be able to upgrade to final version and convert the database to SQL server 2000?  If not, I should wait right?
3. After having used 6.x quite extensively I've noticed that skinning is a royal pain in the butt (well, it's difficult to make it look pretty to say the least).  Is it your intention to have a more functional skinning system which includes CSS or XSLT?
4. SQL Server 2000 can automatically convert data to XML... are you planning on having SSI templates which can export data for users who might want to include the latest news on their home page, etc?
5. Thank you changing the breadcrumb menu.
6. Will hacking be more realistic?
7. Will I be able to create my own user groups in 7.0?
8. The ability to create subcategories and subforums.
9. The ability to allow/disallow the 'post edited by feature'
10. numbered links for post pages instead of a drop-down menu

I have yet to install the beta so I'll probably be back to criticize the admin panel as well if that's ok.

If you need any help, let me know.  I know ASP like the back of my hand along with CSS and I've been skinning and hacking boards for years (mostly Ikonboard, Invisionboard and phpBB).  I'm currently writing my own board in ASP.NET and JSP (C# obviously).  I've also done quite extensive work in graphics.  Although I'm not a databasing expert, I know quite a bit about mySQL.

Thanks for listening.