I completely sympathize with where I think you're coming from, but the conversation will be more interesting if we avoid hyperbole.

That must be why they hired 500 people and keep spending all their money on development instead of fancy holidays.

I... disagree?

They've already released "a game". The ultimate failure will come in the form an announcement: it's done! tadaaa! click here to purchase!

But the SC as imagined by the 1000th "what money is still coming in? promise something! promise more!" new stretch goal, that will never be released.

They have said in an interview that they intend every dollar pledged to go into development, so in some ways what you are saying makes sense.

They do have an actual roadmap now though so that's promising. Also SQ42 will come out at some point between now and the Star Citizens launch so they will have a hype cycle they need to release at the right time for.