Eech, I don't want to fight either but I really disagree and I don't know how to go about it without getting dragged down into the same arguments I've had with people along the years. I'll try to keep it really short :
In project management, you usually have : all the features, on time, on budget. Pick two. The game being delayed a lot is indicative most of all that their scope changed a lot with the funding explosion, and that they simply refused to compromise and cut things when facing difficulties. They were also extremely clear that delivering on time was never their priority. Doing it right was. That's the literal caveat on the roadmap. That's what gamers clamor they want out of EA : let studios take their time. I think it's not intellectually fair and honest to protest delay when their cause is explained and rational.
I'm not replying to the rest of what you said because at the end of the day, it comes to : I understand why they did it, and it makes sense to me.
On the topic of monetization though, I'll just give my view : I don't give a crap about super expensive ships - you can earn them in-game, right now for those that are done. Whales are a thing, and if we're talking exploitation, I'll pull a small whataboutism with mobile and gatcha. These people know what they are doing, what they are getting and they are grown adults. This isn't gambling. This isn't predatory. Nobody is making these people spend crazy amounts of money and it's honestly not our business to second-guess what people spend money on when it's clearly to make that unique project happen.
What I do disagree with them on is this hugely complicated mess of LTI, insurance, game packages, Voyager Direct, land claims and all that crap that just screams sleazy EA-style marketing to me. I'd rather it was streamlined and much more simple. Pretty sure that people want this project to live and would fund that way anyway, but that's just me.
Also, you people make me want to play Prodeus, especially after Civvie's video
.