Note the new sequence of ideas:

• simple apology
• "bad news"
• brief explanation
• remedy

The "neutral preamble" has been discarded because we know the customer is already aware of the "bad news". No good will come of "beating around the bush". The new sequence seems more honest, and builds credibility. After this step, we will improve the tone a little, to better convey our sincerity.
Re. User Manuals for Seris Geophysical Workstation

(6.)It is regrettable, but the Seris user manuals you are looking for will be delayed another 4 weeks.

(7.)Please accept our sincerest apologies.

(4.)Unfortunately, the beta use by the participants has revealed a number of minor problems in the software so the technical writers have been unable to complete the manual.

(5.)A meeting was held yesterday to discuss the matter at which there was a committment made to complete the beta version bugs and finish the manuals within 4 weeks . (8.)Please contact John Hammond in our Houston office if you have any further concerns.