Well first off, TKC runs IFK nowadays, so that confirmed vendor doesn't really have to do with anything.
Other US vendors can run IFK, FYI
Yeah I guess I goofed there, but most people do think of TKC when it comes to IFK, and it could be that the designer personally talked about it with TKC in DMs which led to why they're a confirmed vendor, but yep my bad.
A confirmed vendor has a lot to do with it. It means the designer and TKC have already made an agreement of sorts, and this is only backed up by the fact that the manufacturer is IFK.
You can comment, but it's a terrible way of understanding in real terms how many people would actually consider buying/not buying. The majority/minority that see an IC that don't like project X or Y will likely never say they don't want it. You create a positive bias. An IC form in an IC thread is so unanimous amongst GH because it's a clear-cut method of gauging interest and quantifying kitting acceptance.
There are certainly more IC threads that have confirmed vendors at launch, there is no denying that. Perhaps more people, including myself, should point this out.
I think it's absurd that the premise of an IC is not being followed on GH, and that it's somehow acceptable(as per your comment, it seems).
Yeah, I get what you mean, but at least nowadays, most ICs try to come in as fully flushed as possible and I think a lot of people associate that with having everything close to finalization as possible (which makes them believe that they should include vendors). There have been some that had "confirmed vendors" and flopped and then never reached GB.
That being said, confirmed vendors kinda gives the reassurance that their set will more likely run, so yeah, it is sort of advertising/publicity, but it's hard to find a medium between half-assed ICs and fully flushed out ICs (that do not mind trying to grab a vendor here or there). Without some sort of reassurance that they will run their sets, I think efforts seen in IC will likely decrease. I just don't think it is bad on the designer, but bad on the vendors for accepting early without community feedback. Buttt, nothing you said is ultimately wrong, and I get your points