What kind of grief are we talking about? As long as people don’t threaten or harass George, I really don’t see what the problem is.

True, GRRM is not our bitch but doesn’t this work both ways to some extent? If you cultivate a fandom, engage your readers in the writing process, tease out possible progress towards another book (available at a bookstore near you), wouldn’t those people feel like they get to ask some questions?

Mind you, the point is academic by now, I doubt anyone really cares anymore.