Even if that is the case, it doesn't really give him reason to abandon it without a word. I know that it's scary to admit defeat or need help, it is better than having assumptions made about your capabilities, courage, or personality. Especially with real money involved, it is always worse to ignore and hide from the problems and issues in front of you. Because once you start ignoring and hiding, you have a whole new set of issues in addition to the original set. JakobVirgil if you see this - give some explanation. I think we're all fairly understanding individuals and I think we're mostly worried about YOU at this point, not the project. This is a legit chance to stand up and man up, after this I don't know how many people will still have faith. "I fucked up and I don't know what to do" isn't going to bring a rain of hate but staying silent might.
Even if that is the case, it doesn't really give him reason to abandon it without a word. I know that it's scary to admit defeat or need help, it is better than having assumptions made about your capabilities, courage, or personality.
I just remembered the time a young guy who was working on making a 2D version of The Ocarina of Time pretended to have died so that he could abandon the project without that kind of fallout.
As mk mentioned, I have met JV a few times. He lives in North Carolina about 2.5 hours from where I do. When I am in his neck of the woods, I would grab a bite to eat with him and discuss Hubski, family, the Internet etc. He's a really bright guy, an artist and musician. In fact, he gave me a painting of his that I have hanging in my office. Anyways, my guess is that he is having troubles of a personal nature.