well, with intel content to keep mainstream buyers hamstrung with 4 cores, AMD could theoretically make a comeback with the enthusiasts if they can offer a platform that doesn't cost $1000 just to get started.
As software becomes more and more multithread aware they won't have to compete with intel's sheer single thread or even IPC dominance if AMD can offer a brute force multi core solution that won't break the bank.
I'm extremely happy with my Sandybridge 2600K, but when I look down the road all I see form intel with Ivy and Haswell on a mainstream platform is the same 4 core strategy with all the emphasis on developing the integrated GPU, basically only progressive clockrate increases... That leaves us with socket 2011 with its current vastly overpriced chipset and CPUs that start @ $600 if you want something that can distinguish itself from the mainstream lineups.
While BD looks like a complete failure to me right now, I could very well see myself being enticed by a future version of the product right around the time Haswell hits if AMD can tighten up some things and make an attractive solution for a reasonable price, as I'm currently not at all happy with what Intel has done with s2011 in general, and I won't be content with mere clockrate and IPC increases from s1155 or s1150 with Haswell.
