Just scored an FZ28 but they are hard to find and now officially discontinued. Here in the States, Amazon does not tend to stock up on end of life models. This may be the trend. In other words, supply and demand, end of a model isn't always a guarantee that the price will go down appreciably. Refurb FZ18s are pretty easy to find, but refurb FZ28s now go for as much or more than new, if available. This is one model that promises to become a "classic", like the Fuji F30/31, for example. Of course, private deals and auction scores still out there.
The avchd and a few other features promise to make the 38 worth the wait, notwithstanding the lost photo opportunities between now and then.
With my FZ28, I'm hedging my bets. May get rid of it prior to FZ38 coming out, but it's a gem, despite some limitations, such as limited shutter speed range based on aperture (wide open, slower shutter limit; stopped down, faster shutter limit - even in manual).
As far as wildlife and family snaps, I got it mainly for outdoors, but the wide angle is very useful and the optical stabilization is quite effective. A search of flickr will show that it is quite capable.
