Ok so there needs to be some clarification here...
Ford owns 33% of Mazda, which in Japan means they have a controlling interest. A "controlling interest" does not mean they "own" them. It means they have a say it what goes on at Mazda, that is it. Ownership implies they tell Mazda what to do, and that simply doesn't happen. Ford bought into Mazda to save it, Ford has not told Mazda what to do. Mazda knew what needed to be done they just needed the money to do it. So do have Ford to thank today for Mazda still being a great company, yes. Do have Ford to thank for a number of cars that Mazda makes. NO!
As for the Mazdaspeed Protege, or any Protege for that matter being associated as a Ford product is entirely wrong. Every Protege from its inception in 1990 to take over from the 323 sedan until the next generation Protege (Mazda 3, whatever it is called) is entirely Mazda's design, drive train, etc...Ford had nothing to do with it.
Now, as for waiting for the Mazdaspeed, it simply shows people's impatience for a car. The car is marketed for 25-35 year-olds. Typically, this market has some patience and recognizes a quality car when they see it. And willing to wait to get said vehicle.
I can understand that people don't want to wait any longer for this car. I can understand that people bought something else because they didn't want to wait any longer. I can understand that people are angry with Mazda because of the lack of information regarding why it is taking so long.
People pulling out from buying an MSP now does send a message. It shows that Mazda should have chosen a better company than Calloway to develop the turbo. However, that would have probably sent them to a smaller manufacturer that couldn't have met the time tables Mazda was pushing to have the car done in.
From what I understand, part of the problem is with some parts dealing with the turbo kit needed to be replaced (pipes I believe). That has caused the delay in shipping cars to the dealers. And since Calloway is located somewhere on the east coast, that means the west coast is going to have a slightly longer wait. Is this dissappointing, yes.
What does this mean?? It means Mazda NA is not happy with Calloway right now.
What does this mean?? It means the Mazdaspeed Miata is going to be a ways off while Mazda tries to figure out who can build a good turbo kit in a fast time frame that will put the cars into dealerships on time.
And, last but not least, the Mazdaspeed protege is not "down on power"...The MP3 is down on power for the chassis. The MSP is the best balance of power and chassis the US has seen in a Mazda since the RX-7. The MSP is running 9 psi for crying out loud, and is putting some 150 horses to the ground, all on the stock FS motor (as far I know, or have seen)...
Down on power it is not. Drive it first, then say.
--- edit ---
Sorry about the length, but it pisses me off when people start bashing a car they have never driven, and say Ford is a Mazda or vice versa.
. Enjoy your car, and I know somebody will definitely enjoy what was supposed to be your MSP. That new owner will tell their friends that Mazda is the s***, and their friends will tell their friends the same, thus cancelling out the people that you told Mazda sucks, and the world will be a happy place 
