I think you're making quite a few first-world assumptions here (and I don't mean to target beehatch - sorry bee - specifically, when I say "you're" since these sentiments have been echoed by many):
I'm still in shock that someone went to his home, specifically, to steal his keys. No random break-in would know any better to grab those.
I don't think anyone ever said that only keycaps were stolen. When someone breaks into your house, they usually just take the first/most expensive and easily-carried items they see. A box with keycaps next to electronics equipment is simple, logical grab. You're right - I doubt that a thief went into CC's house and sorted through the items they thought were worth stealing and then grabbed them specifically and in lieu of other valuable items. When you're a thief, you grab what you can and run, and then figure out if it was worth it later.
He's living somewhere. Does he not have any family or friends?
Homelessness comes in many forms. CC could be camping, or living in a vehicle. He could be too embarrassed to burden friends or relatives, or perhaps he has now but for too long. Perhaps those people can support themselves but not the weight of another, regardless of kinship. Not everyone has that kind of unconditional support network, or even a network at all.
How can someone go to using their phone/internet daily then not be able to? It's a hard habit to break. If circumstances allowed that to happen, then I'd be doing anything in my power to find access.
I almost don't want to answer this because I'm not sure it can be done without sounding too cheeky - but an "internet habit" is, through and through, a first world dilemma. On the list of "habits" one might retain in dire circumstances, priorities probably go to things like eating, finding shelter, and maintaining hygiene in order to keep whatever job he's hanging on to, and all while suffering from health problems that likely hinder efforts towards the aforementioned needs. If you have yet to experience a life event that requires your full and immediate attention, one in which everything that is not critical to those moments overrides ALL of the non-critical parts of your daily life, then you are indeed a very, VERY lucky person.
He's not in 24/7 isolation. If he can make it to his job, work presumably well enough to keep said job (even when he's super sick) then he should be able to give you guys an update. This task can be completed in seconds.
Assuming his health is poor, he's likely to be absent/underperforming at work; if he is homeless, it's also likely that he's concerned with his professional appearance in order to continue making money that goes towards trying to live in less than ideal circumstances and keep himself going. A two-second "update" might be feasible, but I wouldn't put it on someone's priority list. He may not even have an ETA. In all likelihood, he knows he has an obligation and is trying to live, work, get by, and still fulfill in spite of his difficulties. I wouldn't want to come here and post that I was having financial difficulties, health problems, and be stripped of any dignity while laying my life bare and, without a known timeframe, subject myself to the clobbering of GH. No sticks and stones, but words can still hurt. In theory, the more the community stands behinds their expectations of CC, the more obligated he will continue to feel; and the more the community writes him off, less so.
There's just too many factors that make this sketchy. I get he's reputable, but this is sad.
This isn't an unrealistic set of circumstances - CC has tried to stay in contact when addressed directly. GH has seen far worse than this, and to those of you that need your money back then by all means - what everyone does is their own decision. CC will have to bear the consequences of this, which is not meant to be a "guilt trip" but rather a statement of fact, since CC has obliged himself to a product in return for people's money; some will stand, some will bail, both are understandable, and ultimately CC is responsible. I agree that this IS sad - but please do not assume that just because you happen to have your health and wealth today does not mean that you will have it tomorrow.
Peace.
