Mf01s is evolution of existing light (MF01),so they’ve already figured a lot of the issues out with it on the last go around and it’s still taking months. I for sure wouldn’t expect the brand new design to be done in the same amount of time…
This isn’t meant as a negative post, I’m have zero interest in the mf01/Mf01s but understand how it works and will patiently await the MF01 mini’s arrival.
Its not even that design / refinement is going slow on these lights or anything, they were just announced to us earlier in the process that usual. Hints why there’s no real final design pictures like when other lights get announced…
“Pretty much a whole new design” or not the original MF01’s existence lessened workload for the MF01S, things like tail cap / battery contact issues were already figured out in the MF01 design, basic threaded interfaces were figured out. Battery fitment is known (remember the E07/PL47 battery sizing issues?) These things must all be new on the mini.
Similar principals in the automotive world (what I’m familiar with), e.g. the fact that drum brakes still exist on brand new for 2020 vehicle designs.