I hung out with Jude at his office for a bit tonight. He's going to be at CES next week and will return on the 14th thoroughly drained, so the following week will be strictly rest and catch-up for him.
The weekend of the 28th, he might be able to swing by a meet elsewhere (but of course won't be bringing his entire compliment of gear).
He says he really would like to host the meet, but wouldn't be able to do so until early February. So it sounds like if folks like the idea of letting the date slip into February, we have ourselves a host!
Also, Ray replied to my email saying that, weather permitting, he is down for it !