I disagree that "Patreon is first and foremost a donation system". It functions more like a monthly magazine subscription service. Since most pledges recur monthly, patrons tend to expect "bang for the buck". Since a dev can only be truly "judged" by fans based on output, decreasing output and missing deadlines loses patronage.
If MrDots--or other devs--wanted a donation system, something like the "buy me a coffee" idea would be simple and good. They want MORE than this, which is why they adhere so strongly to a monthly tiered system.
Hmmm, yes and no? I've been patronizing multiple developers for over a year now, adding some and dropping others, and I've never felt like they
owed me anything in return. I'm supporting their vision and efforts, not purchasing a product. I've enjoyed having a hand in contributing ideas to certain games that have been implemented, and I've developed conversational relationships with some devs. Other devs have their plan and don't seek input. I react, and pledge, accordingly.
I do understand why some people feel that they are subscribing to something, so I don't disagree with you. But I tend to side with
@Blazblue when he says "Mistaking it as a service is why some people argue on technicalities."
I'm speculating here, but I imagine many of MrDots' patrons are happy to continue pledging every month even if development of Melody is delayed so that an update of DMD can be released, which I imagine is in line with the wishes of most of his patrons...?