The argument of saying an redeco'd accessory might be something you don't want and therefore leftover stock is better, is the same as those saying the reverse. Some people wanted something new, while others are fine getting something they might not need just cause it's free. No one here is right or wrong, it's just personal preference. Heck, if Mattel wanted to just PayPal me $30 per sub that would be better. It would save me the hassle of trying to resell a figure and then I could apply it towards Xmas gifts or towards Granamyr.
If the gift does end up being leftover stock, Mattel won't be taking a hit for doing it. This is purely a business tactic. They probably decided it was in their best interest to skip production on some new accessory, because it would cost them money, and instead clear inventory and make it a write-off; gaining money. They are taking care of a promise to "give the subscribers a free gift" and they are cleaning up business loose ends at the same time. If this is the case, I would prefer they just call it what it is instead of trying to play it off as an apology.
Like I said before, they didn't have to do anything. But, this actually works in their favor.
Like my personal suggestion, or hope, that it is something new like Crystal Man-At-Arms; I don't see this being a figure the average collector (non-sub'r) would be upset with missing. The ones that tend to be in it for everything usually get a sub, so they'd be set. And anyone that would receive him that didn't want him could sell it for quite a bit, since it would be as rare as Shadow Weaver. So, I don't think anyone would be upset over a new redeco/variant figure as the free gift. If it was something like King Miro, a true "new" figure, then yes, people would be upset. But not a variant like Crystal Man-At-Arms.
So, I'm still hoping it's something new. It's the sentence that says they originally thought this gift might not come until late next year. If it is just leftover stock, why would they think it might not come until later in 2013? They already have it. My only thought would be that originally they were planning to make something new, hence late 2013, but changed their minds to leftover stock to make it a write-off in 2012. That would be the only alternative explanation. So, that kinda makes what seems, from the email, like a miraculous effort into an less personal gesture. I am hoping that is not the case.