IMHO, the CEO's record is meaningless. By the companies own admission he doesn't have sole control of the checkbook and couldn't run away with all of the money if he wanted to. That's just the typical fear-mongering drama that comes with a lot of the bitcoin community.

What I'm more concerned about is the company claims about their product.  If they've made some kind of discovery that allows them to seriously outpace their competitors, I understand the secrecy. But why not just apply for a patent and be done with it? That way, they could show the world their stuff, dispel all the 'vaporware' rumors, and put peoples minds at ease.

Right now, I'm withholding judgement. BFL isn't a fly by night that's just popped up and never sold products before. They've got a track record. Still, their unverified claims make me nervous.