I see your points, but a lot of my time lately is just taken up dealing with endless FUD directed at me personally.
We all know the damage that FUD can create, especially if it goes un-managed and/or ignored, but by doing that, the flip side is that the development of the project and the time already ploughed into it suffers instead.
If eMunie was launched already and had a solid user base, then it wouldn't be an issue and could more readily be ignored. That time has not come to pass yet, so to ensure the continued progress of the project, this seemed to me to be the best move at this moment in time.
Regardless of the FUD, I would like to see some form of pre-sale.
Also, I would like to point out that you would simply need to post a comprehensive article for all to reference in terms of the accusations.
There are certain limits to how much you can address the accusations, but consider that a nail in the coffin. I know it can be frustrating, but I urge you to display greater patience in dealing with these people.
This is a somewhat abrupt and unprofessional step.
As I said, consider some form of comprehensive article to debunk the accusations. Also devise the means to let people know you can't simply take off with the money. That way, when some other fool wanders in and starts bitching, others can simply point and link the article in question.
I look forward to the public pre-sale.