No the above was very much in topic as this 'deal' is a means to sway your judgement without thinking clearly.

They offer No refund until January. None.

They have your funds, if they f**k up, they promise to return monies, but have no third party to guarantee it.

You are basically acting on their word they can deliver on time.

They have offered no compelling evidence to believe this, and there is nothing backing you up if they can't, or don't succeed.

There are several companies copying the KnC method of bringing a device to market straight from receipt of chips as a prototype.

None of these competing companies have met the strict requirements of a third party totally independent Issuing Bank and Payment processor.

None of these competing companies have the backing of Paypal, except Butterfly Labs, of which this is starting to become a very welcome avenue for disgruntled BFL customers.

None of these competing companies are assuming the risk involved with a credit card payment processor and promising the buyer protection from these independent third party bodies.

None of these competing companies are offering any real buyer protection (and BFL are trying their damnedest to change their terms and wriggle out of the responsibility).