This is Apocalyptic literature. Once you understand what that is, the meaning becomes clear. Revelation is highly symbolic, like Ezekiel and Daniel. Yes, 12 (sons of Isreal) times 12 (Apostles) times 1,000 (symbolic for many). Twelve itself is symbolic a completeness and perfection. So there will be those who looked forward to the Cross (the Old Testament saints) and there will be those who look back to the Cross (New Testament saints) and there will be a vast number. A little later in Revelation the number of saints is described as a “multitude which no man can number.”
If I supply enough symbolism, even my paving stones become prophecy. If Preterism is true, then we are living in a near perfect world of peace in the Millennial rule of Christ.
Obama ain’t no Jesus, and men do not live hundreds of years. You will have to really go thick on the symbolic gravy when you bring the reality of life to bear on the symbolic day dreams of false prophecy. They only work in isolation to their own values.
I always felt the gas in the tank of Preterists was hiding from the reality of living in the times leading to His return. One does not have to worry about the house burning down when one smokes the opium of its all over but the party.