When there was much hoopla, and Zilog claimed this
today introduced Version 2.1 of its Z8051 MCU Development Tool
the average user might reasonable expect to actually receive V2.0 SW ?

No, not on planet Zilog, where 1.147 is considered > 2.0 ?!?
This is what the 2.1 Docs actually say is included

- Below are the versions of Software files included in the release 2.0:
o Zilog OCD S/W v1.147
o Zilog ISP S/W v1.147


Why does this matter ? - because I spent a number of hours working with the SW developer back in the middle of 2012, getting multiple bugs in the variable watch window identified and resolved.

The release those bugs are fixed in is 2.008, and yes, that is > 2.000.

I have no idea why Zilog marketing think it is a good idea to hold back bug fixes ?

We had a project that was about to use Z51F6412000ZCOG, but on SW download, we find Marketing's magic mushroom maths.
Looks like another vendors part will be chosen now.

I've been hoping for a few bugs to be addressed in the latest versions(which I won't use) ZDSII for the eZ80 and z8.

I've tried to suggest that they create a development tool bug forum so we could save development time by sharing pitfalls. That would at least allow work-arounds to be shared if available. Alas.

As per your request, we have created a new forum: Development Tools Tips and Tricks.
This is not for reporting or complaining about problems with the tools (as you know, we have a submission process to log problem reports), but for helping customers to use the tools successfully. This can include sharing resolutions, workarounds, clarifications, or requests for help.