If HF provides boards I can't see them saying "build it yourself". Generally the more boards assembled the lower cost per unit so no single user could achieve the costs (and yes time is money) of HF doing a run of a couple thousand boards. I would expect if the MPP is exercised most users would opt to pay the difference and receive completed boards over raw chips.
"Build it yourself" is exactly what they are saying with the MPP chips, but I know what you mean.
My guess is that HF MPP has a 90 day lockout period, probably put in place with the IceDrill guys, to make sure they are getting value. If HF is able to produce reasonably priced boards in Feb. (90 days after Icedrill receives their chips), I think all their customers will be pretty happy. I think everyone expects difficulty to skyrocket in the next 5 months so that MPP will be surely appreciated.