I think the OP said it perfectly, you are taking a simple thing and trying to make it complicated.That's literally the same thing. Obviously I don't believe in the logical conclusion or as you say overblown version of his idea, I did it to show why it's wrong and inconsistent. There is no standardised measure for what constitutes acceptable or reliable porno dev conduct far as I'm aware, nothing even remotely close to such a thing.
It's a case by case basis determination at best that is itself subjective (you're okay just donating, you want to dl, you're filthy rich, savings were p good this month etc etc).... As I explained later on before suggesting everyone else do the same instead of being stuck in these vicious cycles of simping/hating on online strangers based on ad hoc expectations/standards cooked up by extremely online echo chambers built around those strangers. It's unhealthy for everyone involved, imo.
"Arbitrarily inflated number", "as if that is a requirement".... according to whom? Compared to what? "Hey I have a life to live but as a conscientious person I should do what some people on the internet say." Jeez you people...
I mean a blind supporter or any supporter would at least advertise the game on their sig bruv. You know the most obvious form of support there is on this forum apart from donating. But sure, if that helps the voices go away...
For everyone else I repeat: do not spend money online without knowing what it gets you, or not.
Here is me, I am a game developer and I am creating a game out of my free time. I will post monthly updates on progress and what I have been doing. Feel free to support me if you are interested in my game.
Here we have a simple introduction and promise on top of a game that should let the people choose whether they want to support us or not. If I break that promise, then they would have every right to ask questions. If they would demand more, then simply saying "Sorry, I stated my conditions in introduction bla bla bla, I can't do better than that and feel free to stop supporting me".
Boom, easy. I don't think there is a single instance, where people are unjustified in their outrage towards a developer. Usually these developers miss multiple deadlines and go as far to missing it by half a year or even more and then either:
a) Turn passive aggressive
b) Make up a thousand excuses how they had health problems and what not