Personally after so much of this behaviour from start ups, now I don't pay any serious attention to them at all.
Nor do I even court the thought of throwing money their way.

Companies that develop and produce a device for sale , however...
I do pay close attention to.
Pinetab, Pinephone and Pinewatch ...are on my radar.
And when Pinephone is ready I will be seriously considering purchase.
NOTE: I said "purchase" , not "fund", "support" or in any other guise "give" money to a flashy website designed "promise" of something..."if only there were enough donations to complete this dream come true device"
But never again will I ever throw hard earned money at grifters looking for easy marks.

The problem is there are too many phantom pegasi flitting about ...
Someone pass me a saw ...
what is needed are some solid horses ...