Those who paid for batch #1 and batch #2 definitely invested in the start-up of Avalon, it was clearly stated they needed the BTC to develop the product in the first place.
As for batch #3 I think it's debatable. You bought batch #3?
Very generously of you to be willing to pay the extra BTC for the ASICminer hardware, I got my dividends as a shareholder and will invest those again into the next batch of Avalon ;-)
Honestly I bought from another guy who orderder, batch 2 anyway, and this delay is good for my blades.
What I am trying to say is that these companies, for my point of view, have no knowledge of what is customer care. And this is not matter of size but mentality. I have orders in BFL that have 7 months now!! Fully paid!!
Anyway I think they can employ some other people... (some hundred in China probably) with the money they have collected..
Btw this is my personal point of view, I think we don't have to bore all the people here!