So no, not every after market cooler requires 2-3 months to be released. Maybe your statement is true for high end specialty boards but it is a generalization that does not hold true otherwise.
My statement was only referring to the best ones, like MSI Lightning or Asus Matrix. That's why I emphasized the "best after-market cards" like Galaxy HOF and MSI Lightning. Since we are discussing the Lightning specifically, ShintaiDK mentioned that AMD is very late on releasing this version but in fact it took 3 months for 680 Lightning and 780 Lightning to hit from their launches.
I don't disagree with you that AMD dropped the ball on 'standard' after-market AIB designs. However, if you recall, HD7970Ghz was sent to reviewers around June 21, 2012 I believe and it took 1 month for after-market versions to come. These things happen. Sometimes after-market cards are available very fast (GTX670/680 launch) and sometimes it takes at least 1 month for any after-market cards to drop.
What was the 7970 lightning like in terms of overclocking? Most opinions i've read about it have been very positive, yours is the first i've heard to indicate otherwise in terms of OC'ing.
A lot of those hit 1230-1250mhz, some hit 1275mhz. The problem is that card cost $580 when the other after-market 7970s cost $450 and overclocked to 1175-1200mhz. The small difference in overclocking didn't change the gaming experience at all. GTX680 Lightning I believe had a $50 premium over the standard version but lately the Lightning has been overpriced for 7970 and 780 series. When 780 Lightning came out, it was going for $740-750 vs. $650 for Asus DCUII version and $680 for Galaxy HOF. At launch the 780 Lightning was a complete rip-off vs. other 780s. Now it's down to a more reasonable $530-540.
There is nothing special about the Lightning's cooler either. It's inferior to Asus DCUII, Galaxy HOF and Inno 3D cards. If NV allowed its AIBs to increase voltage, I bet the Asus DCUII would overclock 99% as well as the Lightning on air for much less $. If MSI charges $50 over other competing cards, then I suppose its justifiable but the minute they start adding $75-100, no way.