Ooo we got some bugfixes. Looks like we're on the tail end to Alpha 8
I don't think so. Tynan seems to still be implementing new things and optimizing the 'Art' things.
It's great to see that Pathfinding is being optimized, but I don't think that's a signal that the Alpha is nearing. Don't forget that the Temperature system is gonna have to be tested, meaning that it'll probably take a few weeks until the Public Testers can provide proper feedback and look for bugs.
We'll be lucky if we get this Alpha in early December or on the 24th, and we'll be EXTREMELY lucky if it's out by Thanksgiving.
Though, I bet that on Thanksgiving will be when the Alpha is out for Public Testers to fiddle with. ^^