What you're waiting for, what we're all waiting for, is a major breakthrough in IS technology from Canon or another IS bin maker, as Steve mentioned above.
If Canon merely adds another model, which it could do with a 12x50, for example, since it has ~4mm exit pupils like the 10x42, which is the exit pupil limit of Canon's Vari-Angle Prism Image Stabilizer, it's still going to have the same quirks ("artifacts," "swimming") and bulkiness as the other full sized models, because it will use the same technology, and it will have the same short warranty period.
I don't think anything digital will ever carry an unconditional lifetime warranty. If it did, you'd probably pay 5x the cost since who knows how many times it would "fizzle" over a lifetime. Perhaps, like insurance, the cost should be based on your age, health and lifestyle.
Either you accept the limitations/quirks of Canon's VAP-IS or the Fuji or Nikon IS bins, or you will have to wait for a breakthrough in IS technology, and even then, who knows if it would suit you?
Since it could be a long time before you find out, if you really need image stabilization because of shaky hands or for stargazing, I recommend the 10x30 IS model since it has better stability, and even if it fizzles, you will probably get your money's worth, but personally I have shunned the other models because of the price tag vs. repair costs after the warranty expires.
I might go for a low-priced "pre-owned" 12x36 IS if Alan ever gets tired of his and decides to buy a more manly man bin such as a Swaro 12x50 SV EL.
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