I have a slightly different perspective on all of this. Here goes....
U2 are known to have "broken' or given lots of producers a very hard time over the years. They have their own way of working which is not like many other bands, and it works for them!
Back when Vertigo was released and they were promoting it worldwide, I remember an interview with Larry where he said something like "If one member of the band does not like the music or the album, we don't release it". I think it may be some of this going on behind the scenes, even back to the work they did with Rick Rubin some years ago.
I was not one of the fans who was ecstatic to hear that they were working with DangerMouse because I could not see how it would fit, that is, I could not see all 4 members of U2 loving the possible results enough to release it in 2011.
Now mind you, I like some of DangerMouse's work so I would be interested to hear what he would bring out of them
I for one wonder, if they cannot totally agree on their "new direction". I keep saying, that as U2 enters their 50s, that they need to work with some longtime established musician/producers like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis who can understand and bring out their current level of musicianship to the fullest extent
If U2 was going to release a new CD in May of this year, the 'hype machine' etc would have needed to be in gear by now and I just can't see it. I got a non committal vibe from The Edge and Adam in that dinner interview.
Now before you all jump on me, I admit I could be totally wrong and off about the whole thing.

However I am going on my trusted instincts here