I believe someone on here(or multiple people) have direct contacts with 20th Century Fox. I believe it's Hicks. Anyways, a couple of things or observations/suggestions.
The fact Neill hasn't released a break down of his proposed Ripley/Hicks/Newt/Bishop(most likely) movie still leaves a small glimmer of hope Fox has told him to either re-fine it or keep it under wraps for now in case they green light him.
If Fox isn't keen on his direct Aliens sequel idea, why don't they let Neill do a movie based on the "Colonial Marines". Now this could be a prequel of sorts leading up to the events in ALIENS following younger versions of Vasquez, Hicks, etc on their various missions/BUG HUNTS. While this movie WOULD NOT feature the classic Xenomorph, it would feature new nasty creatures ie BUGS which was referred to in "ALIENS".
They could also simply do a standalone film based on the concept, marines, military tech which IMO would fit in perfectly with Blomkamp's directing style(he loves military stuff)
The bottom line is, I think the series is pretty much dead at this point. It's in need of an extended hiatus(like Toho did with Godzilla for over 10 years) and then bring it back as a re-boot or they either let Blomkamp do something or let Ridley continue to burn the series to the ground.
I'm just really bummed that Fox didn't go with Blomkamp and Weaver because that was MONEY and it was THAT STORY that had fans all over the world talking about ALIENS and the franchise again. I mean, it was all over the internet, news, etc.
For what it's worth, I signed the petition when it first started. 5,000 signatures is pretty much nothing. I wouldn't give up hope on it though, it probably needs a new round of promotion. Post the links to it on Twitter, Facebook, etc. I know I've done it and would hope my efforts got at least a few people to check it out and sign it.
I still don't think Neill's film is dead. Just a gut feeling. I think Fox is trying to find a diplomatic way of asking/telling Ridley they don't need him directing the "ALIEN" movies anymore but who knows...............