I wouldn't expect any sudden fall off in AE700 pricing. Last years model, the AE500 did not drop like a stone either. The new projector, when it comes out, will likely be $2,500 or so, and the AE-700 will still look like a deal at $1,800 or $1,700. Panny products don't have the same dropoff in pricing the way Sanyos do.
On the other hand, the Z3 is quite a bargain right now.