As far as putting off the center channel, I'd say it's more a factor of how long before Athena redesigns the line than a factor of BB stopping selling it. In any case, www.AudioAdvisor.com sold these before BB and will probably sell the last Athenas when that day comes.

And no, I haven't heard anything about a redesign but I wouldn't put off the purchase of a center indefinitely. Times change and so do speaker versions.