Have they said if the miniatures are going to be shipped painted, or unpainted as they are showing right now?

Unpainted.

I wonder if they come assembled or require some small amount of assembly. These have to multi-part plastics with the dynamic posing. Looking at the Snow Trooper with the E-Web Gun from the Gen Con pics, it looks like there is a small gap between his left arm and the body. Not something that was molded as one piece.

****. ive never painted anything and was hoping I never would have to lol

they just said in a Team Covenant interview that the miniatures come pre-assembled.

If you haven't tried painting, you should totally give it a go! I just painted my first miniatures a couple months ago and it was a very satisfying experience. I'm excited to paint Imperial Assault figures too. It's like getting a 3D coloring book!

im getting ready for my first attempt on a tie-fighter from the X-Wing game.