Quite simple really, they've made the vast majority of Forum Knives already, their main intermediary Charlie Campagna is understandably burned out with the process & would prefer to take a break, Buck and their intermediaries seem keen to consider it yet a lot of Forum members keep asking that we should wait for GEC to offer something. Fair enough, but how?
And how is that giving them flak exactly?? I'm not expecting them to poll us and ask each of us what we want, I'd simply like to know IF they are interested in offering an alternative and what? They're a business and one reason why most of their knives are sell outs might or may be because of the success of their Forum Knives which have attracted enthusiasts, fans and some flippers...attention and profile. The 11, 12, 14, 16, years all had runs and variants made from the Forum Knife, so too with the 13 (albeit later) and the 17 was the well established and widely liked pattern 15. So yes, I would say it's been a symbiotic relationship, they've done well out of it and it has boosted interest and SFO's so would they like to continue this year??
Maybe 
In years past I have commented on the "selection process" and folks didn't like it much. I am just going to ride with the flow. But I would prefer something made by GEC over Buck. If I had a vote.... I'd say, let's do a fancy peanut or perhaps something on the GEC #14 frame. No barlows.
