Mask Sprite

Hello, I know that this question was raised few times,
but it seems to be no simple solution for masking sprite until now.
Is there any approximate date when this issue


will be solved?
It would be really great to have this feature. Thanks.

It would be nice. I want to be able to use 9patch masks with fading for GUI nodes.

Depending on your needs, you could accomplish it right now with render targets.

yes, I have reeded this thread about render targets but from the firs look its look more like work around then proper solution. And to tell the true it is quit difficult subject and there is no good tutorial about rendering targets, which by the way also good thing to have.
It would be mach nicer to have some easer solution for dummies like me)).
something like sprite.set_mask(myMask)!