I'd say minimum four based on his love for the show, and the fact it's steady-paying gig.

Despite his success I read somewhere that by 2005/6 he was pretty much broke.

The average tenure for a Doctor seems to be three series (with only Pertwee and Baker having gone on to a fourth).

Poor bloke.. not even shot one scene yet and we're wonderin when he'll pee off

I am just wishing that they are just three or four continuous (no splits except specials) seasons (hey - I'm an American!). I think he is going to have fun playing the role of the Doctor.

Now my question is - How many companions is he going to go through?

Three,

Clara, a male companion that joins them in Series 8 or 9 and a female companion that replaces Clara in Series 10 (and stays around till Doc 13.)

Sounds about right I reckon at least 3 series untill 2016
With hoperfully christmas or other specials aswell. Would also expect new people to show up as regular or semi regular companions. Apparently . Doctor Who maybe turning 50 but it will keep on growing and changing.
2014 should be a good year. Full series of 12 episodes september to november then hopefully a christmas special. Perfect way to introduce a new doctor.

I clicked on the link, and it led me to a page of "Hot Amazon bargains" (Phwoar!!!), but no pitchforks - nary a tine. Am I missing a joke here?

Incidentally, I agree with your views on Capaldi.