I've been in a few mining/exploration plays and nothing ever plays out exactly to an investor's specific time frame, too much going on, so patience is required. I agree with your sentiment on the time frame and FWIW and JMO, here's my personal goals for 2013 that I want management to deliver by.
EOY-Q1/13 Loans closed
Q2/13 - Conv debt paid off and VM-179 starts drilling
Q4/13 - Initial flow rates (and $1+)
Q1/14 - Full flow rates (and $2+)
If Mason delivers sooner, then great I won't be moaning, but if the loans aren't secured by Q1/13 or the O/S starts to head towards previous levels then I'll be out! GLTUA!