Here's what I think

1. about the schedule, ask ActiveState
2. about the ppm's, either teach your users how to use CPANPLUS(you can simply point them to A Guide to Installing Modules) , or start your own ppm repository
3. don't worry about activestate's release schedule (meaning get a compiler, compile perl, add whatever you need, distribute it)

MJD says "you can't just make shit up and expect the computer to know what you mean, retardo!"

I run a Win32 PPM repository for perl 5.6.x and 5.8.x -- I take requests (README).

** The third rule of perl club is a statement of fact: pod is sexy.