Please do not get me wrong! I want that this project will be a success. Maybe last it have been better if the iota-Foundation had accepted Bitcoin instead of IOTA. If the project fails at the beginning, the Foundation has no money to repair the software.
I also suggested accepting bitcoin. I think having both options would optimize the will to colaborate in the community. Some people may have a small stake( to their regret) from which they cant donate much, and would rather do it with btc.
And as David says, "for the real world", btc or $$ is what you will need for common expenses.
http://forum.iotatoken.com/t/iota-foundation-announcement/174/2?u=johngaltAbout the GUI, they ve been transparent all along. Just unlucky or bad choice with who the work was put on, but we were all aware while it happened.