Yeah, i also kind of feel that it will be soon rather than the end of the year, the reason is because the test announcement looked like a general test, i mean, a test that doesnt expect to have big bugs and everything is completed... to some extend, in fact using a "lot" of testers is when you need to find small and niche bugs, for a normal playthrough with untested and big bugs, trtr can test it himself which judging by that post, he already tested and know how long it takes.
The payment is also small, even if its just a way to thanks the tester and no real job payment, i dont see the tester working/helping for months until the end of the year as well as more chance of leaking the more time it pass.
I have fun trying to guess things but with that said, while i see some reasons that it will be soon, i think there are no reason at all that confirm 100% it will be soon or that it cant be at the end of the year, trtr didnt even give in what phase of the develoment he is, like he didnt confirm the exact tester job.
We basically have a big lack of info (its normal tho) and while i actually totally agree with that release dates(maybe more at the end of jun rather than 18), i will keep my hype and hopes low.