Did Atlus ever mentioned that their servers will be linked to the servers used by the Japanese/HK/Korean/not-NA version of the game, or are they just linked from the get go? Like, can I play with someone who has bought the Japanese version of the game with a NA copy?

They made a separate NA server.  I don't know what you mean by "linked."

The servers are completely separate as far as I'm aware. 

Bummer then lol =/

I have the Asian version and live in Europe - some PVP matches can be near unplayable due to lag which results in cheap hits/backstabs and a lack of skill in deciding the victor. Couldn't wait to get the game so did not even contemplate leaving it until From Software finally found a publisher here. I just wish that the game would read your PS3 settings, realise you weren't in one location and just link you to the nearest server - pretty sure the US ones would be better for me.

After putting 40+ hours into my character, it's very unlikely I'll repurchase the game when it is released here... Although the guidebook/soundtrack special edition combo does make it tempting