I find it strange that I haven't seen anyone consider a few things yet.
1.) From my understanding, they were attempting to release/beta PS2 around Spring time this year.
For lack of a better article:
http://www.planetside-universe.com/n...-2011-2421.htm
And acquired additional resources, which caused them to re-think a few things due to the upgrade in man-power:
http://twitter.com/#!/j_smedley/stat...67620177178624
If they were attempting to go into Beta this year, they've got a large majority of the game flushed out. Presumably the new team would break open and address some specific things and add a bunch of new features, but not to the extent of a massive rewrite or anything.
I wouldn't be surprised if they were ready for beta by December.
2.) When looking for a finishing touch for the gun one of the artists could have easily selected a loved ones birthday to attach to it instead of a random number. I've seen this happen plenty of times.
Of course, everything is speculation.