Somehow I was drawn to this case. Probably because its the exact OPPOSITE of what I usually deal with. Small town, close-knit, not much to say. I really wish I had just a LITTLE piece of info from LE. Something to speculate on. At this point, I personally use LEs physical response, actions, verbal/written correspondence to media and public (lack of, I should say) to get a feel for this disappearance. I can tell you, from my personal experience only, that when you see/hear this little dissemination over this period of time, LE really doesn't know anymore than the public knows. If we even have a POI (a non-suspect - just someone who might have info) or possible suspect we almost always release that information. One reason being - if there is a suspect, another POI, or just someone who might know something - they know we're looking or speaking to someone, and they may feel more compelled to come forward w/ something.
I do understand that in that area/region, they certainly could take a completely different approach. In a huge city, nobody can "see it from their house", they have the as long as its not me, I want nothing to do with it attitude. They also live and die by the No Snitching Code. Again, the approach of the region in question is most likely significantly different in its info release. Even to the point of waiting for that once tiny piece of evidence to corroborate or provide PC to take further action. Unfortunately, if this is the tactic, they know they're not going to find a living victim. With even the slightest inclination that there may be a living abductee (Specific), you're kicking in doors no warrant to save a life. Deal w/ the aftermath later. This tells me (IMO). LE truly does have nothing.
I'm sure takeitfromme can provide much more insight on info released as it pertains to the Conway area.