I will never get back the labor that I put into the job. It's one of those "circle of life" things.

Cool. We all appreciate your contribution.
Most (or all) of the products here are to some extent "labor of love" or "give to the community" type of things. Not that Mark, Steve, Brian, PCATS, etc. don't make a little change for what they do; but let's just say I don't think they're billing $200/hr for these services. For many, it's just a way of making a hobby into a small (sometimes very small) business.
It looks like your casting company is somewhat in the same spirit -- 'cept it must put food on your table, too!
Consequently, we're used to occasional very large delays. Sometimes we get stuff in days; sometimes it takes months (heck, I've been on Brian's illuminated button list for well over a year!).