I really hope that CR/SC doesn't end up falling into the "Duke Nukem Forever" trap, constantly trying to keep his product at the leading edge of the market, afraid to release something that will not match up to the expectations of a perceived budget and further being pressured by the successes of a perceived rival product.
Unfortunately I think you might be on to something here. I doubt SC will end up as the next Duke Nukem but I think you have a point about the fear of failing to meet expectations.
The problem with a hype based campaign is that you are then required to live up to that hype. Fostering a cult like atmosphere among your "followers" might be great for getting the cash flowing in like a river but if he doesn't deliver, by his own mouth, "The Best Damn Space Sim Ever" the fallout will be apocalyptic. To make matters worse the definition of BDSSE is unique to every single one of the "followers". How exactly does one deliver that?
Now you might scoff at me and say "No one expects the BDSSE literally..." but I assure you there are many in the SC community that are quite literally expecting an exquisite and viable alternative to reality to be presented to them come 01-01-2015, and they tend to be the most vocal and active in the community :S
I think CIG needs to exercise a little Expectation Management, but they don't, and they won't, as it is counter to the marketing methods they have chosen to employ. Even on the odd occasion that they do, the recent delay announcement for instance, the immediate response in the community is for those aforementioned "vocal and active" to spit out "Don't Panic" threads all over the shop in a somewhat desperate attempt to allay their own subconscious fears.
Speaking of fear, it is palpable over there as evidenced by the reaction to anyone making even the slightest comment that isn't singing the lord's praises. I am not talking outright SC/CIG bashing and trolling either, I am talking general raising of issues and concerns. They are immediately set upon en masse by the zealots of the faith, especially if those concerns are with CIGs methods. Even CIG staff get in on the act... It's all a bit revolting really...
Hence jumping ship rather than just backing out of the community and supporting both games. I am just not interested in supporting a company that fosters this kind of behaviour and shamelessly manipulates it's adoring fan base.
I do apologise for all the religious cult parallels as I do not seek to insult anyone with religious beliefs, it's just the most apt parallel I can make and hope you can understand that.
tl;dr:
I do not want CIG to fail, but I also see them setting themselves up for failure. I hope SC succeeds for the sake of the fans that have pledged money for it. I just wish CIG would be a little more responsible in how they go about doing their business as they are in a position to hurt a lot of people. Until that happens I have chosen to withdraw my support.
