Basically all anyone has to do for something to "be confirmed" for this patch or that is to post it. Even if they're mistaken. Two people read that thread, then they tell two people, etc. I remember reading an interview where Tanaka said the Western players were kind of notorious for rumor-mongering like that. But honestly, it can't be helped, when information is so sporadic and disjointed. We will, by default, try and fill the gaps.

The last I heard, chocobos were being looked into, but definitely not for 1.18. I believe they're trying to push airships through though, if possible. Rumors away!