Are you aware of some of the security issues the avalon team experienced?
You mean when someone visited Yifu's parents' house trying to get into contact with him?
Oh dear, I hope nobody has visited Friedcat's parents. It might derail the whole project.
Let me elaborate on my understanding of what happened - a buyer in China was seeking to get a contract on paper with the Avalon team. The Avalon team was not communicating, and the buyer, frustrated, went to Yifu's parents seeking a way to get in contact with him (this was over the line, I agree, but not necessarily malicious).
Yifu cites this as the reason they their chips are months late. I suspect these things have little or nothing to do with each other.
I am glad he takes his security seriously, but it is an excuse and nothing more. I wish he would assume responsibility.
Anyway, when people become less communicative in Bitcoin-land I consider it a warning sign. No guarantee, but I've seen it before. Friedcat was always happy to share his news before.
He also wasn't mining quite as much bitcoin then.