Tbh, I think the previous amount of patrons with pale in comparison to what will be achieved after an update or two, when the merge is released. Having said that, I doubt Blue Cat makes this game simply for more money than other large projects on here. I don't think that'll be a priority
They've already said though that the next merge is not happening for at least a year, and so the development of this game will be quite substantial until then. Besides, he's already planned out the next few in game days too. They're prepared for life after this merge, and progress will be fast