Ok, let's try this thought exercise. Let's say it's true and Sony targeted a lower end 9.2TF spec for price and MS went high end with their 12TF beastie. So, why do we know all these details about the XBX EXCEPT for price? I mean, if they know that Sony went lower end, there's no harm in announcing price because everyone would be ok with it, given the difference in specs, right? There's really no reason not to go all in if they know this.
The reason NOT to announce pricing is if they DON'T know this, or they know that Sony is targeting the same spec they are or higher. THAT would be a reason for both to hold off as they determine price and try to figure the other's strategy.
In short, there's NO reason to not talk about price when releasing these other specs about the boxes unless they know/suspect that both boxes will be very similar. So, time will tell, but the longer this goes the more I'm thinking that the PS5 is going to be very close to the XBX just like devs have been saying in these 'leaks.'
If they ARE close in spec than even a small difference- like say the PS5 WAS 13TF and the XBX is 12.3 or something. Or if the PS5 is say 10.5TF and the XBX is 12.3. Those are smaller percentages of real power than last gen with the PS4 and XB1 but that difference WOULD be key to marketing if you had to pay $50 more for that box...or $50 less, right? THAT is likely why both companies are being silent about price, besides the industry component issues that are driving up costs. They have till this summer basically for those pricing issues to be resolved, but they STILL want to have a better sense of the piece of the market the other competitor is targeting.
At any rate, just some thoughts on this whole pricing and silence issue. I can guarantee one thing.. Neither company is avoiding talking price because they are "scared." They have a defined business plan by now and will execute to it regardless of where their competitor is. There are only a few things left to be adjusted. Final retail price is one.