Wow...answered several burning questions right off the bat (and without any goading. Didnt even make us work for it. Thank you).
 
Many excellent question asked,  and I hope that any that can be answered will be. So, its 2 40 am and just want to keep my first question short: The glossay entry for the Apocalypse states the Mandate Schoolmen are not the recognized authorities on the subject. Who is?

After finding out about the July 25 release date at Clayton B/N I went ahead and ordered soft cover copy from Book Depository online-should have it in a week or so. Still have my hardcover on reserve...will use my paperback as a lender copy (if i can actually get someone else to finish the slog that is.)  Seems my friends having troubles making it past TDTCB.