The server will eventually update to the newest minecraft update, but that won't be for a while. They need to update all the plugins/etc, before they can update the whole server to 1.9. It will definetly be more then a few months, but expect it to happen before the end of this year (I'm guessing on this). And I do think there will be optifine for 1.9, but again, the update just came out. This stuff will come, all you need is patience.
The plugins will need very little updating. I suspect they could be updated within weeks but it is more user stubbornness that would stop it anyway.
We really dont know when the server will update to 1.9 really. :P Maybe it will update when the time comes.
I hope not... Everytime I try to play on 1.9, it crashes my game. Hope they fix this though. EDIT: Fixed it xD I actually like the update. I think they should :) I'm sure everyone will get used to the pvp mechanics.
if they update 1.9 for some minigames that may be cool but for factions they should keep it at 1.8(or go back to 1.7)
Having mixed 1.9 and 1.8 server is actually supported by Bungeecord so this isn't a bad idea. But 1.7 servers won't work anymore.
I'm sure J&H doesn't want to fuck up the plugin that is the basis for their network. Coding isn't easy, Ya'know