Okay, so update... we (he and I) went through the process again, and designed the perfect bike, then all this happened:
https://singletrackworld.com/2019/05/marino-bikes-sell-off-of-sick-bicycles-frames/
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/sick-bicycles-manufacturer-selling-off-sick-branded-frames-claiming-lack-of-payment.html
https://www.archynewsy.com/manufacturer-of-sick-bicycles-that-sell-frames-claiming-no-payment/
Followed by this:
Wife in the Hospital...
So, we'll just have to make the most of the frame I have for now... I went ahead and built it as-intended:
My shoulders finally felt good enough to get out on it since the previous post, and I have to say, this thing feels even better than I remembered; I pretty much hit the nail on the head! If I ever get the new one, it'll be the perfect hardtail, IMO (it's already the best I've ever ridden). But alas, my shoulders didn't last long, so I'm going to chill until at least fall...