I've ridden the parks down to 6. I do not have any experience on the Cabs, so if you could estimate winds that would be great.
I would also say that when you choose the kites also consider the kite which will be the ideal kite first, then build out around that. For instance I like the 11 better for waves than the 12. 10 is the magic kite around here since we generally have light winds, but the 9 I like even more.
Where I ride it is mostly Naish and North that people are riding. We have one guy on a cab.
How you ride the parks will affect your range. In light winds I usually just lock the bar down more, and I am good with the low end. Some people are saying it has less low end, but I am not sure if I agree as I can ride pretty much the same winds they are on their regular kite. It is a matter is not moving the bar too much.
I am about 85kg. For instance yesterday I rode the 9 in winds from about 15 mph to 27 mph on the 5'9'' skater.
In regards to when the kites are launched...I obviously don't know anything for sure, but in general the new kites have been launched at around that time..maybe around September / October that past few years, but I really do not know the launch schedule...and it might be different in Europe than over here. Also It would depend on if the kites were shipped by boat or air. Getting a set of new Parks I feel like the guys sleeping outside the apple store for an iPad.
Knowing that should give you some negotiating leverage though.
The 2012 are fantastic kites, and they will be good even after the new comes out. Making one thing better doesn't automatically make something else bad.