"It is still an outstanding project because it is an openhardware phone and has some unique properties (discussed here many times)."

show me this phone.
I would like to buy one.
Oh wait...
It DOESN'T exist.
and it ISN'T available.

I really really wish people would stop using a present tense for something that hasn't come about.

as far as the project continuing with r+d ..
but the project being a collapsed one from the stand of investors and their pre order...

then it should be coming directly from the project team head.
OR the New team head...

If that is the case ...
then health collapse or not...
it is a low low thing not to at least take enough responsibility to issue a statement and just fcuk off into the sunset...
I like to call that "the Estel Response" ..
and that is no response at all.
This isn't about "cryin"
this is about dealing with commitments ..
not gutless-ly walking away from them.

What is needed from the neo team at this time:

1- There needs to be some official statement from the head of this team as to the state of the project.

2- The number of updated pre order committed individuals to assess the end cost to them..

3- If the project is considered a success from a r+d standpoint and they are continuing to do so. Hurray for them.
But if it is a failure from a completed and shipped device standpoint..then an official statement stating so needs to be issued.
along with a statement of funds of the investors that is still available for refund.

These issues need to be addressed whether the project is:
A- a success...and the project is still on course...
B- a partial (from an r+d perspective) success / partial (from a completed device ready to ship) failure
or
C: a total failure

Waiting to hear some official statements.