What we don't realize is that Pantheon has released multiple times since it's initial announcement. In fact, it's about to release again in November when the new EverQuest TLP server is launched.
What Pantheon does is get people's passion reignited for some good old school MMORPG fun. It never actually releases, but the people following it are all fired up to play, so every year when DBG puts out a new TLP server for EverQuest, those Pantheon fans load up their old EQ account, buy a TLP package, boat load of experience potions, and a $20 mount when Luclin opens on the server. It's a win win for DBG, so they "invest" a little more money in to Pantheon as a "secret investor", and the pattern continues.
Now... that's 100% made up.... or .... is it Mahahaha! MAHHH!HAHAHAAHA! DANCE MY LITTLE MONKEYS! DANCE!!!