I placed an order for an AT three weeks ago with MHS and had the same conversation with them. Nobody truly knows. I did attempt to gain an idea of their anticipated backlog by asking if they believed they had already pre-ordered enough to fill out the entire 2014 delivery window. They responded by stating that it should be seen well before end of year. However, they again stressed that it would still be anyone's guess.
Me personally, I'd be shocked if I received my rifle before July. While I would love to have it sooner, I am betting I won't see it until at least September.