Although I am curious as to what is driving the price increase, it is not surprising at all that the cost is going to go up -- hopefully in the short run. As an earlier poster pointed out, making EVs available to the mainstream requires manufacturers to lower the prices on the automobiles. However, unless one of the giants (GM, Ford, etc. ) comes out with an EV that has 200+ miles of range, Tesla needs the capital to invest in research as well as be prepared to take some losses on mainstream EVs that are perhaps worth more than their selling point.
I've been a part of this camp, so I do see some of the hypocrisy in saying this, but we can't have it both ways. Tesla reached out and in black and white told us that we should expect some changes. The description of those changes was a little vague, but at least they are preparing us. So, it seems as though we should be acknowledging Tesla for being a better communicator in this situation.
In terms of the timing of this announcement, I do find it a little odd that it is coming that this time. Holidays. No price yet for EU models. Regular production has not occurred yet. Model S has been out there (realistically) only a couple of months. Personally, I would have waited until 2013 to make the announcement.
I don't think everyone who has a reservation should be granted the 2012 price. If this were the case, I could defer for 9 months and take possession in Dec 2013. What I do think needs to occur is for Tesla to specifically state how long reservation owners have to lock-in before they are subject to the price changes. Is it 30 days? 45 days? 90 days? I suspect it is 30 days, but it would be nice if it were 90 days. I doubt it, though.
I can't imagine any major jumps in price point. Maybe the service will be included now. I agree that the 40 kWh version probably can't go up in price, but a 5% price increase in 60 kWh and 85 kWh versions wouldn't be unreasonable. Add heated seats to the options. Maybe supercharging will now be an option for all models. Time will tell.