To clarify, yes, my original assumption was correct and the extra Touring Rocket I decided to save for just such an occasion is going to transfer and I'll be able to claim the Nightlionpanthercougar.
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Greetings,
Unfortunately the previous version of this mail was sent out with some errors and for that we deeply apologize. Please disregard that mail and continue reading for information regarding the upcoming changes to our Recruit A Friend service.
Beginning July 16, 2012, we will be offering a new in-game reward, Obsidian Nightwing, to veteran World of Warcraft players who fulfill the requirements of the Recruit a Friend program. According to our records, you have earned the current reward, the X-53 Touring Rocket, but have not yet claimed it.
The X-53 Touring Rocket will only be available for 4 more days, so we encourage you to claim it now if you desire to do so. After July 16, 2012, claiming a Recruit-a-Friend reward will instead give you the Obsidian Nightwing mount.