Hello everyone,
As it is part of running a betting service, sometimes we have to make some decisions that will not please all of our users. This is certainly one of these cases. I agree that the bet description statements are barely satisfied but the bet is actually on "shipping" of a commercial product. To the best of our judgment the pictured device is still an internal development unit within the company premises, even if it is somehow "owned" by a non-employee. As far as I can see even BFL doesn't officially claim shipping. Under these circumstances we can not rule the statement as false. Our decision is currently not final and we will be listening your input for a few days before the final decision. Feel free to raise your opinion.
On the one hand, it's nice to see that you will take your time and consider all arguments before making a decision. On the other hand, this is such an open and shut case that it's a little disconcerting to see that you haven't made a final decision yet. Only a real wannabe thief and welsher would be upset about losing this bet if they had backed BFL. Besides, as you said, its part of your job to make decisions regardless of who will be upset about it. The decision is supposed to be based on facts, reason and logic.
Have you actually received any correspondence from BFL backers claiming to have won the bet? That would be sad and pathetic.
I guess you have two options.
1. pay the obvious winners
2. pay the losers or cancel the bet, thus destroying the credibility your business relies upon
What a dilemma.
(no, I don't have any stake in the outcome of this bet. it does bother me to see people try and weasel out of debts though.)