There are people who like to source parts themselves. And maybe experiment or modify somthing. Not sure though how many of such people among X16 audience.
Not sure the share of the total audience, but they would tend to be concentrated in the group that want to build it themselves.
The way that market viability is tested in many crowfunded projects is to have a separate tier, so if it hits the funding target for that tier, it's a go.
I would likely only buy this as a kit. I am far less interested in programming and more interested in the assembly itself. As for price, I would not expect the kit to be cheaper. Could even be marginally more expensive. I have completed Ben Eater's 6502 and am looking to go to something bigger.
I understand that different members have different opinions which is good.
But for some, the joy of building the computer themselves is what this "Chicken Lips" 16 is all about. (an April 1 name, but as good as any other :) )
I'm glad that it is been planned to be available as a KIT. I hope I'll get one to be able to enjoy every single second (hours, days, ...) building it.
When you build your own KIT, yes the risks exist, but that is part of the adventure because the emotion of getting it running will pay for all the "hairs lost".
Many of us, have grown up with the computers that we classify today as "retro". Some of them are found in the antics and garages inside of boxes, and when we try to revive them they simply go dark.
That happened to me with my amigas (4000, 1200, 500). But due to the great effort and geniality of enthusiast and members around the world, many PCB replicas of those so called retro computers can revive once more (that happened to my 4000 which took me 3 months to rebuild part by part, and a lot of money).
The "Commander 16" started from a group of retro computers enthusiasts, which also took many hours (many "hairs lost"), trial and error and many mistakes, but that didn't diminished their commitment and perseverance to continue.
I want to build mine, part by part because I know that I'll be creating as well a connection with this computer which will last like the old retro ones that I have.
When will it be expected to be available to buy ? I don't want to loose the chance of getting mine. :)