1. On prices for the first batch: First batch comes with MPP and will be received before all the second batch is, so the first batch is expected to make greater returns in BTC than the second batch products with both the original item and the MPP (their MPP will ship first, too).
Everyone agrees with me that this is nonsense, right? Because we measure % return, not absolute return over hashrate, right?
I agree that the MPP is at least a little vague in terms of how they decide to give you up to 400% of the hash rate that you ordered (e.g., how they forecast what you'll mine in BTC, and how much hardware you need to break even). I'll ask them. They did state the quantity you get in hash rate is dependent on the network hash rate at the time the product shipped, so if it's shipped after Nov 1st, you get proportionally more hash rate (up to 400%).
2. TSMC: Everything is on schedule. Everything else is under NDA. Ask specific questions and I'll see if I can get them answered, given that they don't violate the NDA.
Can you show us the NDA? Anyway how can everything be on schedule since that you are late with the chips that are being manufactured at TSMC?
I can ask them. They said "everything is on time with regards to what we are telling the customers," and I assume they are referring to the news about the substrate delay.
3. Hashfast states that Dec 31 was always the agreed to date in the terms of sale, and that this will be honoured.
The shipping date was at the end of this month, but yes, let's change the reality to our needs. That date will be honoured? What about every date that was promised until now? Like, will the mid november date be honoured? No, right? When will you start to prepare us for that?
They say they'll issue refunds at that time (January 1st, 2014) if they fail to deliver a product. That was it, and I won't make assumptions beyond that. If this falls through, I'm down $5k USD as well, so I'm in the same boat as you.
4. Pictures are forthcoming and apparently need to be approved by CIARA and/or TSMC and/or whoever else is involved, and this is the reason there aren't many yet.
How is exactly CIARA or TSMC involved with the PCB?
What a great idea to hide behind
the fact that you never had a PCB ready for the end of this month.They didn't name names, but I assumed they were responsible (mea culpa if they're unrelated). I can ask if they have the PCB designed and what stage it's in.