My sentiment also. But I disagree w/you regarding the UFL or whatever it is - I doubt that league survives. It seems to have even less behind it than the USFL did, in terms of buzz, coach/player talent, venues, etc.
While I hoped for the best re APF2K9, I figured it was somewhat unlikely they'd release a 2K9. At times last year I campaigned that they shouldn't even attempt to make another game, given the convulsive reaction some in the hardcore community had to the game initially. It's just too much of an uphill battle, it's margin for error too small - with too many varying expectations for the game to be moderately successful. Some want it to be an all-encompassing, fully-customizable game, some want a 32-team/2-conference/4 divisions/4 teams per division gimped copy of the NFL, some want a college game, others a high school game, some even want USFL/XFL/Canadian league games. All while having an ultra-deep franchise mode (with no real-life base to mirror) and a spectacular new graphics engine. Oh and redefine presentation in a sports game, and give us some minigames.
Wow - I didn't mention gameplay. Unlike last gen, it seems gameplay sometimes takes a back seat to a lot of things. Interesting to think back on just how much things changed four years ago (?) when the NFL exclusivity news came out. Then the NCAA, NCAA, EsPN, Arena, and MLB league deals came. I remember thinking at the time we were on the cusp of seeing something truly great with NFL2K6, and they were cut at the knees. Going forward, I guess there's still a chance that an APF game could be released in the off-season; I think anytime between January - June is viable. But at the same time I can see where they'd be better off not dealing with the headache. Unfortunate, because even to this day I see the occasional spectacular play that makes me say "wow" (gonna try to post one later today). I have no doubt that if APF was given the same room to grow in next gen that most sports have, it could have easily carved it's own niche and been successful even with all that was stacked against it. Chances are like NFL2K6, we'll have to wonder "what if..."