Just my two cents worth on the release being held back by Windows;
I think that, regardless of your position on Windows as an operating system, or Windows users, that putting out a release that is crippled would be downright humiliating to the *whole* Inkscape project.
Let's ask, what is pushing us so hard to get the next release out? In a lot of these projects there is an impetus based on saving face, which is about bringing new features to fruition. IMHO, the saving face needs to be done by being a little patient, or at the very least not releasing 0.46 for Windows until it is pretty right.
Again, what is the aim? Is it purely to further the name of Inkscape, or is there at least some desire to further SVG as a viable option is a largely proprietary world? I have heard that said a number of times, and used as a reason to include or reject features. This project is meant to be about a good SVG editor, and the rest is a nice by-product. Again, a good reason to hold off just a little.
Let us also ask, if Linux users are so technically superior, aren't they already using the release candidate, which offers pretty much what the release will? Surely even the nightlies are very stable by now if all the bugs are ironed out. If so, in at least one sense who cares if there's a release if the RC is working and those who want the release are already using it! Linux users are well and truly used to beta and release candidates, and in fact the pure only use the bleeding edge stuff and look down on those who don't. Or are we next going to start railing against Ubuntu users for their lack of technical expertise, and because they need a packaged version? Afterall, isn't Ubuntu trying to attract that Windows-like person?
Lets please hold off just a little, at the very least on the Windows release. For many Linux users it makes no difference whether or not there's an official release, because the pre2 package is stable. For the Windows users, and the reputation of Inkscape, SVG, and even FOSS, it makes a huge difference.