Folks, I ordered my k3 as a kit. I'll report to you all throughout the building process.  Reading the reviews on eham, it appears that the build takes from 7 to 14 hours.  There is no soldering.  I've read the assembly manual, and it looks like a blind op could do it with some minimal help.
I plan to make notes on the build, and submit them for inclusion in the assembly manual.  I have spoken to the manual's author, and he is receptive to this.

Have faith, I think elecraft will come through for us.  If not, I plan to se them at Dayton, and have another chat.
Having met both Duane and Eric several times, I am confident that they won't leave us out in the cold.
More as soon as the kit arrives.