If you seen how much the lowest price and bought right there you already earn almost 80% profits. Populous is a big project and a working product honestly i don't know if they have or not. Im still busy working and i will take some time to read.
There are some concern about credibility of this project whether it is into working state or not. There is no way to verify the claims of Nico's that is the reason why it losing its grip on the market. Current situation is not in the favor of this ecosystem so it looking risky investment.
I agree totally with your thought, there is no way to verify that the Populous has a working product or not.