149 keys in the original vs currently 160 (there are some further non essential keys that could be dropped)... with support for at least 7 different layouts. 4 of those layouts are nearly impossible to find and haven't been made in a decade plus. I have no idea why people wouldn't jump on the opportunity. I'm getting really really really tired of the if it isn't only what I use I'm not going to help anyone else get the things they would use attitude around here. So much for 'community'.
Okay first, please Ivan do not think I am trying to be a negative Nancy or condescend or disparage this set or your hard work. We all appreciate what you do and have the highest respect... You are AWESOME, bro. I am just speaking my mind about the economics of group buys...
Having said that.... I am really surprised that after everything, my comment is the one that finally upset you.
Everybody who chimes in saying that they just need x key or y key or they won't buy it...THAT is the behavior that ruins everything for the community.
Compromising on LESS is what everybody needs to do. People with unusual layouts or languages need to chill and realize that US ANSI is about all the market can handle. You can be upset about what I'm saying but it doesn't change the reality...
This is basically tragedy of the commons scenario...something that could be pretty good for everyone (a 104 key plus ISO and Tsangan), ends up becoming ruined (too expensive) because everyone exacts a cost on it (adding more and more keys).
In THEORY you are right that this is an unprecedented chance to get all these layouts. But the economic REALITY is that no matter how much people's wallets are hacked, group buy participation falls sharply as the price passes $120 or so....and honestly I don't believe you can blame anyone for this... no matter how sweet the set is, it just cannot be justified due to opportunity cost...
Also I suspect that the % that will use ANY of the international keys is quite low.... meaning the majority of buyers are expected to subsidize that cost and end up with a lot of pricy, extraneous keys...to my mind that is a misalignment of priorities.
When I revised the TA set with Photekq (still waiting for the new renders) I started on the premise of cutting everything we could and being very stingy with every key, resulting in a smaller but more useful set than we started with...personally I think that is the only successful design philosophy right now.
Now, if to you this set is all about total coverage, I. E. that facet of the GB is just as important as say, the colorway, then do what you have to do...I just think that the market will punish you for it and it will unfortunately fail MOQ.
Just the way I'm seeing it. And please do not think this is only about this GB...I feel the same way about a lot of recent GBS.
Once again thank you for your hard work and please realize I mean no harm with any of this....