Few thoughts....
I am a little irritated that we have not moved from ICO to an actual coin at this point. I understand that a large project is currently being prepared for release but a step as small as going from test net to a live block chain with the rewards system in place is a must at this point. Developers have already proven a working wallet in test net phase.
Personally I would release the coin without addition from larger exchanges for initial launch to allow people to sell / buy in small amounts initially and allow the demand to grow naturally into larger exchanges to prevent an epic dump. If I had a working wallet I for one would have significantly more faith in this coin and would potentially even place buy walls in the networks where heat is currently listed.
As it stands right now... I am pondering writing off this chunk of my portfolio and simply considering this investment a lost cause.
You are forgetting that this project is not only about the coin itself, but also about all the partnerships that come with it. The most similar coin to HEAT is Waves, which is also aiming for such partnerships. Difference is that Waves decided to launch without such partnerships and HEAT wants them at launch, not repeating Wave's mistakes. People don't seem to understand how huge this project is. It is not just another fancy coin with neat wallet. This is actually useful and revolutionary. I am not talking only about 1000 TPS speed, because it won't be that important to average user initially (but very important if the project wants to scale). It's more about gateways and all the magical things you will be able to do on this wallet. It needs partnerships established and having them at launch, especially that HEAT company will be listed not only on crypto exchange, but also on regular exchange (HEAT holders will be getting 50% discount). It needs preparations and it needs to be done perfectly. Just look at Waves - it is worth 30 million USD without actually delivering all those features yet and people needed to wait months for full nodes. HEAT will have full nodes at launch and some of the partnerships to (while adding new partnerships in the following months). Of course there will be ups and downs, some people will sell along the way, but the project is curretly worth 1 million USD, while Waves is 30 million. It's x30 gain for HEAT investors during the first couple of weeks. I would not be afraid about that investment.
Yeah, this project is huge, and people who don't grasp it probably didn't read the whitepaper and don't understand what the devs are aiming for. Waves would be the best comparison but this looks way better and much more professional. It won't be only about the promises but you will get many features at launch (if the devs deliver as promised, and they are delaying for a reason, probably to deliver this). Also note that this will be one of a few crypto with roots in real-world. Actual stock options is something fresh and will give your coins additional value in February, because anyone who would like 50% discount at stocks would need to buy your coins from you then. It's also great protection from ICO flippers - you are basically guaranteed that your coins will get additional value in February, so selling earlier is pointless. Anyway, people will quickly realise what a gem HEAT is.
Also don't forget that Supernet is in this. They are famous pump group and they are holding 4% of HEAT according to their website. They brought Stratis to x16 ICO price (BTW stratis is at x9 ICO, so still those who invested are at huge profit).