Yes you are right! ESF is live !If the game will be released in five years... ESF will be Dead. Its Almost Dead...
It doesn't matter if the mod comes out today , tommorow, next month, next year or in 5 years.
When it does , population will spike trough the roof. Wait and see. We've been here for quite a while, some more than others. I for one won't mind waiting some more for such a good mod.
EDIT : To OP : Wanna bet you WILL be playing 1.3 ?