Found a vague update on the FREE release of Mechwarrior 4 at MekTek.net posted on the 10th of Sept. just in case nobody noticed. Here's the relevant part:
"Its been awhile since we last updated you on the status of the FREE release of Mechwarrior4 so we felt the need to assure everyone that the time is nearing. We had hoped to release the FREE title the last weekend of summer but that unfortunately did not happen due to paperwork. As previously mentioned, I indicated that there are still a number issues to resolve before the FREE release. Those issues are resolving thanks to the hard work of many at MekTek. From a development stand point the FREE release is near ready to go but we are still waiting to resolve some of the legalities associated with such a wide distribution. While we have not provided a set date for the release, we are still on target, and our partners are happy with the progress MekTek has been making. Our focus on the FREE release has been revamping our match making service MekMatch in order to accommodate many more users..."
CAPITALIZATION!

woot!

Well thats good to hear, I was beginning to wonder if it was still happening

Same here. I await the release with bated breath.

Why is FREE always written in capital letters?

Free is an ambiguous word in English. Sometimes there's not enough context to tell whether gratis or libre is meant. That can be confusing. However, when 'free' is capitalized, it always about money. :)

Hey, you're right. I never noticed that, but by golly it's true. Weird.

Glad to have that sorted out. I was just about to spraypaint "Free Mechwarrior!" on my picket sign :D

i'm actually waiting on michaellung to shout.... "and it's free!!!!"

Well, I've been waiting so long I might as well just go and just buy the friggin thing already. It's not expensive.
But dude, it's free. Freer than Tibet, anyway.

finally , i thought you'd never show up ;)

Yeah, sorry about that. I LIKE FREE!

They always say FREE - "like beer". But one time, when I picked up this crate I happened to see lying around, I was chased, beaten and shut in a nasty small room :(

Another update: coming soon.
"The Mechwarrior4 FREE release is still currently to be announced. MekTek had hoped to gain permission for the release while visiting Smith and Tinker, Inc. in Seattle this week. However, we have learned that Microsoft has endured several administrative changes which currently impede the release. The good news, however, is that a meeting to finalize the release is scheduled near the American Thanks Giving Holiday. Smith and Tinker said that it will only take 1-2 more days before permission is granted. From MekTek, we are happy to report that the release is ready and awaiting permission to push that big shiny green release button at MekTek headquarters."

It's been taking so long I might as well just buy it already. Good to know those guys haven't given up yet.