07:07 Nov 17, 2009 

Thank you all for your contributions on the question. Being addressed from different points and involving native speakers from two different parts of the world, it has resulted in a fruitful discussion. In addition to the answer to my question, I have got interesting and valuable information on PCT usage in the UK and the US. I think that everyone of you has deserved some points here, and it would not be fair to give them just to one person only. Kudoz are therefore not given to anyone this time, I'll keep them for (the) future. Thank you all again!

08:50 Nov 12, 2009 

The examples you submit (present continuous) are more properly the "decided future," and indicate action that does not necessarily happen in the near future. For example:
"We're going to Paris next year"
The important factor is that the subject of the verb is intending, has planned or decided upon an action. Here the continuous present is used.