I guess ASIC companies prefer to stay silent or lie a la BFL when pre-order money is being spent for good and refunds could become a big problem because of missed deadlines.
Let's remember that all the ASIC projects developed or in development (Avalon, BFL, KnC...) are HUGE projects managed by tiny companies. Many delays (most of them I'd say) are caused by 3rd parties involved in the process, being very transparent with all the milestones is the best from a customer/investor point of view, but tricky for the ASIC manufacturers. If there is no official "missed deadline" wishful thinkers will be happy and won't complain while dream about their money printing machines. The less explanations you give, the safer you are from a PR point of view I guess.
That's the problem when the lines are kinda blurred between being a customer or an investor. An investor should have full access and disclosure to the internal milestones, but an investor cannot request a "refund". Consumers can request a refund, but then they are kept blind of the internal progress of the project.