One of the main developers for JoinMarket is going through long covid and was offline for many months yet the service still continued running smoothly but these guys can't process withdrawals because they were on a trip? Did that trip include meeting with law enforcement because otherwise this makes no sense and just looks like a typical exit scam.
I don't have a problem with mixers existing and advertising their business but considering how often they shut down due to scam or government seizure on top of being centralized, closed source, and custodial they are at the very bottom of privacy services that I would consider using or recommending.
There are no doubt left that it is not an exit scam. If you need to save a thousand dollar business which you are willing to continue, you will find a way to send a message no matter what position you are in except you are no more breathing.
[1.] Asking to send coins [invest] and giving 12% APR.
[2.] Sending marketing payments in notes and motivating everyone to keep their coins with them.
[3.] Not responding support email [excusing some BS]. No one heard the accuser though at that time.
[4.] Totally gone inactive from the community which you consider your biggest customer base.
These were good red flags but unfortunately most of us never considered it flag as they were manipulating everyone with the hype. People forgot that "too good to be truth" is always meant to scam.
A typical mixer should perform fast, lightening fast. Like Chipmixer used to be.
Deposit > 1 confirmation > withdraw
The distance should be only 1 block.