And 'lo, Bungie did speak, and it was Good. As pointed out by Cpt. Sqweky in the forum, Bungie's Matt Soell has posted a reassuring message in Oni Central's forum, commenting on the rumors of the last few days. A noteworthy tidbit:

The March 2001 date is not one I'd heard internally. If we needed to work on it that long in order to make it a decent game, we'd do it. But the Oni team is working a punishing schedule for a reason and that is to get the game out fast. Chances are good that we won't need six months of beta-testing. If the October date slips, I doubt it would be by that much.

Oni by Christmas break... and there was much rejoicing.