Yes, hopefully the prices in the USA will be lower. They will for example not include the common European sales taxes.Probably best to hold off on second guessing Panasonic until the official pricing is out. At that point if it's really $1600, by all means.
I live in the EU and the price here seem to be confirmed. I'll hold out til' they dropped significantly. That may take a looong time.
When I say the price is crazy it is comparing to other brands here in the EU.