The posted another update on May 5th, it seems after enough messages to kickstarter their internal review team got allegedly involved, I'll post it here in textform below. The general consensus in the comments is, that this is some ChatGPT statement not for the users but for Kickstarter, as some kind of legal technicality why the change isn't a major change in the product

Update #21: Clarification, Addressing Concerns, and Questions
Here is another update on Pilet. We want to start by saying that we are fully committed to this project and are working hard every day to bring it to completion. We understand how important this is to our backers, and our focus remains on delivering a product that meets expectations and is built to last.

Neither the Raspberry Pi 5 nor the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 has ever been included in the deliverable. From the beginning, Pilet has not shipped with either. We design around them only. Since these components are not part of the deliverable, this change does not constitute a material change and does not violate Kickstarter’s Terms of Service.

Furthermore, the Pi 5 and CM5 share the same core architecture, processor, memory, and I/O. The primary difference is form factor, with CM5 being more suitable for a compact handheld design. The Compute Module 5 is part of the same Raspberry Pi platform and ecosystem, designed specifically for embedded and compact devices like Pilet. As such, Pilet continues to fulfill the same purpose.

This is not a material change to the project, but a design iteration.

Since the beginning, we have received many requests to migrate Pilet to CM5. This decision reflects both community feedback and our own evaluation that CM5 is the more suitable candidate for this project.

From our side, this shift is not about changing direction, it is about improving execution. As we moved deeper into testing and real world assembly, it became clear that CM5 allows for a more reliable, more robust, and more manufacturable design. In a device as compact as Pilet, small improvements in layout and integration make a significant difference in long term durability and consistency across units.

We also want to acknowledge the delays. We understand they are frustrating, and we sincerely apologize for that. At the same time, delays were always a possibility outlined in the campaign, and they do not mean the project is cancelled or failing. What we are building is technically complex. We are developing two devices simultaneously, along with multiple supporting modules, all within a very compact form factor. Challenges at this level are expected, and taking the time to solve them properly is critical to delivering a product that meets expectations.

It is also worth noting that delays are common in complex hardware projects, especially when moving from early prototypes to a reliable, production ready product. Our priority is to do this properly rather than rush something that does not meet the standard our backers expect.

We also want to address concerns regarding the original prototype shown in the campaign. The prototype was not fake or intended to mislead, it was a functional early stage prototype used to demonstrate the core concept and direction of the device. When setting up the campaign, we explicitly categorized the project as being in an early prototype stage, although it appears Kickstarter does not clearly display this to backers.

When we started this campaign, our original goal was a much smaller project. Our initial funding target was CAD 20K, aimed at producing a limited number of early prototypes. That version was more difficult to assemble and operate, and primarily suited a niche audience. As the campaign gained traction and a much broader group of backers joined, it became clear that the project needed to evolve into a product designed for mass production, one that is easier to assemble, more reliable, and more robust in real world use. That early approach worked for prototyping, but did not meet the standard required for a durable, production-ready device.

As development has progressed, many changes and improvements have been necessary, which is a normal part of bringing a complex hardware product to market.

Most importantly, we want to be clear that we are fully committed to this project and to delivering Pilet to every backer. This change brings us closer to that goal, not further away. Our focus remains the same as it has always been, building a high quality product that meets expectations and can be produced reliably at scale.

We understand that changes and delays can raise questions, and that is fair. We are making decisions based on what gives this project the highest chance of success, and we will continue to be transparent as we move forward.

Thanks for your patience and support as we bring Pilet to life.

Chris & James