Just pure speculation here for the sake of the conversation: I wonder how much Canon could do with a firmware upgrade. It's not unprecedented after all with the 7D series.
A new and significantly enhanced 90D body, coupled with a reasonably-priced option for a major 7DII firmware upgrade that adds multiple f8 focus points, some autofocus enhancements and maybe a few other tweaks, might take the sting out of ending the line for many users.
Despite some forum experts opinions, the objective facts show that the 7D II sensor still competes very well with newer sensors above base ISO (Which is not where most 7D users live anyway.)
While I would like a newer sensor and few more megapixels and wouldn't mind a touchscreen, if I could get multiple f8 focus points on the 7DII, I'd be pretty content. Release the mythical 150-500 f5.6 zoom alongside the upgrade and I'd be giving Canon more of my money. (Okay, they are going to get more of my money anyway, but that's because I have business needs that don't necessarily align with my personal desire for a 7DIII).