MY take on it, alphamind, is that 2012 is just the cosmic marker...as with all human development, there will be those who are early, those running late, and everything in between.
Certainly, the cosmos have Their own deadlines in which to accomplish the tasks of keeping the universe in order (and chaos). For myself...and the guidance I receive...the idea is to evolve well, at a pace I can endure sustainably. It makes no sense to hurry-up-and-ascend if that involves glossing over finer details of important note.
As with Blossom Goodchild "UFO landing date", and the recent failed "Rapture" predictions, we see the universe is NOT going to operate according to man's demands, and has no obligation to adhere to strict time-lines...good thing, too! I don't care for man's demands OR deadlines.
Avoiding tabloid mentality and "information" is a good practice in self-preservation. For 2012, here's what the Mayans, themselves, have to say.
Mayan Elders on 2012