they needed someone to pay for them and the development needed - Bitcoiners did this in a non reversible cryptocurrency
no
more than one person is concerned at the amount of hashpower paid for by Bitcoiners that BFL will have in the days leading up to 1st shipment. They could in theory drive difficulty up and make a mint on coins. If they have enough stock they could potentially 51% the network - all paid for willingly, nay eagerly by Bitcoiners
this is the subject of much speculation, these are my opinions and differ from many other peoples on this forum
hope thats a help though
Graet