I agree with you -- "buying" people something is not the answer when what they really want is the product as promised. Yes, I did say "gift" but it doesn't have to be that ... I think in a previous post, it's really just about treatment and rewarding people for their loyalty in some way.
Take Red (the camera company) -- as an example. They announced a technologically ambitious camera (Epic) in 2008, took pre-orders in early 2010, and are just now in the process of starting to deliver cameras to those who placed those initial $5,000 deposits down. Yet here are the differences:
- Those on this pre-order list (available only to past customers) get a very special package that's an outrageous deal -- a "thank you" for their loyalty
- Cameras are delivered in order of the serial number of their past Red One Camera, again rewarding early adopters
- Most importantly, throughout this time, Jim Jannard (founder) has been communicating FREQUENTLY on the Reduser forum with customers about new features added, updates, delays, shipping timeframes, etc ... this is not just direct emails to those who ask, or occasional Facebook posts ... this is extremely public-yet-personal, easily seen, widespread communication that leaves no one in the dark about where they stand (even when they say "we don't know" it's crystal clear)
Of course, people are frustrated -- these are professionals and their camera is their means of making money, both in rentals and paid work. BUT they also feel so well-treated (no other camera company in the world gives you full credit back on your old camera toward the purchase of a new one -- but Red did this for loyal early adopters) ... and they also feel so clear and satisfied with the communications, that if anything, Red has actually won people over even further in spite of these delays. They have raving fans who will fight and evangelize for them at every opportunity.
Contrast that with how this 3A situation has been handled -- and you see the problem, and why so many customers are unfortunately turning on them.
It's sad because I really like JH (both company and individuals) and especially their products, but they could really take page from Red's playback and bend over backwards to treat these early adopters better, with more expressions of loyalty and good communication. No need "buy" anyone, but just do something to show people how much you care.
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I'm not convinced this is the answer, While I agree that JH has kept a lot of people hanging for a long time, and have been extremely unprofessional in their approach (that doesn't appear to be changing much either), I don't think they should now have to buy things to keep the pre-order people 'entertained' or interested in the mean time. I think this is just trying to get something for nothing, If you can get a refund and you aren't happy with the wait, then take that option. Don't hang around and then say that they should have bought you something to keep your loyalty. The only incentive should be the item itself, and if that's not incentive enough, get out, get your money back, and lose nothing...
I'm not defending JH, I think this whole thing has been handled attrociously, but I also don't think that buying people things is a solution either, as ultimately the cost of these 'gifts' will be passed back down to you/us (the customers) in one form or another, more than likely to be the cost of the units after the pre-orders have been filled.
), plus the time I spent going down town to get the impressions done. And all the heartache ranting in this thread; all for nothing, if I were to give up and request refund! 
