Hey Janice,
As a longtime NEFFA performer, I can tell you that there's good reason for what you call the "gag rule." The NEFFA committee, a member of which called me today to request a switch in my performance schedule, is still dealing with a myriad of performer requests for schedule changes, as well as changes necessitated by unanticipated conflicts (hypothetical example: a Balkan songs workshop is scheduled in the music room at the same time one of the musicians is supposed to play for a dance). With NEFFA, an all-volunteer effort, it really ISN'T ready to announce to the public until all this shifting is done. It's a practical matter. If the draft schedule were widely distributed, and somebody with their heart set on hearing Balkan songs came specifically for that only to find out it had been rescheduled for a different day, they would be unhappy. Multiply that possibility by hundreds of performers, and thousands of attendees, and you see why it needs to be kept under wraps until it's final. Don't worry, it will be out soon!
Kathy