As I posted over on MSNBC BBS:

Interestingly, from what I understand MSSS wanted to release this ROTO-acquired image shortly after acquisition, or at the latest by the beginning of May, especially given that staff were tied up with the AW&ST Laureate Awards, a teacher workshop, attending conferences and writing peer-reviewed papers, and the normal day-to-day operations of the MOC during the extended mission to support the 2003 MER landing site selection effort. Nevertheless, JPL and NASA HQ PIO insisted that MSSS coordinate the release with them and to delay until today for some reason.

Alex R. Blackwell
University of Hawaii