That is how I understand it also Lessifer. Add to that that the FDA has said several times the do not intend to change the proposed deeming regulations from their original (and current) form and we have what the FDA plans to do and what the regulations will be if not challenged, changed, or defeated by Congress. But you are right, there is the possibility that the FDA will amend the proposed regs in some way that makes them more palatable for vapers. I know CASAA has been very active in trying to convince the FDA that at the very least they should consider grandfathering all vaping equipment and liquid that exists before the regulations pass.
there are no regulations at all yet.
the deeming proposal is is just an outline of what they will consider when
writing the actual regulations.they are writing the regulations right now.
that's my understanding.
step one.the American Family Tobacco act authorizes the FDA to regulate
e-cigs as a tobacco product. thus the act deemed e-cigs as a tobacco product,
not the FDA.
step two.the FDA presents their deeming proposal outlining the frame work
of what they will consider when writing the regulations.just because it says
deeming proposal it is not the document that deemed e-cigs a tobacco product.
see step one.
step three.the comment period.(no comment needed)
step four.write the regulations.
step five.unveil the regulations. after an allotted time period
from 18 months to 2 years depending on sources the regulations become
codified in law barring any congressional objections in whole or part
of the regulations.

regards
mike
addendum:there seems to be some confusion concerning the court case.
the court denied the FDA to regulate e-cigs as a medical device.
however noted there was nothing to bar them from regulating them
as a tobacco product.
this is not an authorization for the FDA to regulate e-cigs as a
tobacco product. the FDA didn't have the authority to do so.
the American Family Tobacco Act gave the FDA the authority.
it is unclear if the FDA could have regulated e-cigs as a tobacco
product without the AFTA.