Group buys are difficult to do even when everything goes as expected, when unexpected things pop-up then it can take awhile to get things back on track.
With the exception of Massdrop and PMK, all group buys are organized and run by volunteers and the work performed is in your "spare time". Most people are unaware of just how much work goes into a simple group buy, much less the more complicated ones, and the best of intentions get cast aside as work/school/life gets in the way.
I did the fulfillment for Commando23 and got bit in the butt just like everyone else on the first group buy. I had planned on shipping out in October when I volunteered, but the caps arrived in December. End-of-year work stuff, holidays, etc. created the perfect storm and I was AFK for a good month, or two. I eventually got things back on track and shipped everyones stuff out, but I can see how a more complicated group buy could have put me even further behind.
That's not to say that it doesn't suck hard with a GB languishes. I freakin' hate it as much as the next person, but that's the risk we take when we participate in a community backed project. I'm more cautious now with a buy and really look at who the organizer is before choosing to join, but you have to balance the risk vs. the reward.
