I think cal_aos is right regarding November (I certainly hope so).
I do tend to agree with vipsha that we are seeing a small sample of cases here...I just need to look at my friends who know and use this forum but don't post anything ever...to understand that.
Overall I get a +ve feeling too...and I've been browsing other service center boards also, and the news (like the economy) is on a "cautious uptick". (All this is subjective...hope I don't have to eat my words tomorrow)
After my GC, I have stopped frequenting the forum. If you send me a private message I will respond, but only if I see it. A late reply may not do you much good, so please try other avenues first.