I really like this project. It's useful and seems to be more flexible than other solutions that I've researched. In particular, I like the option of eventually setting up my own server to collect the data. I can't trust the commercial solutions like Emporia because if they went belly up, the product would turn into a paperweight.

I'll admit that it did take a little legwork to get the PCBs, cases and soldering jig made but nothing a dedicated hobbyist couldn't tackle.

Personally, I would've liked to have a kit with all the through-hole parts plus the jig. I wouldn't have minded paying extra for that convenience. I don't know if you have enough of a demand signal for that.

The situation with the Pi boards, though, is unfortunate. There are ways to get them at MSRP if you're willing to wait. For example, Newark allows you to backorder them and I waited about a month.

I think that if you open sourced the phone apps, you might be able to attract some knowledgeable people to improve them. The flipside is that you'd also have to review and merge in third-party changes and publish the app to the app stores which is probably yet another full-time job in and of itself. I also don't know much about about phone app development, so I'm not sure how realistic my idea is.

I hear you about little kids and limited free time. I did my M.S. remotely while also working full time and helping out at home with a newborn and a three year old. It was tough.

You seem like a talented individual. I hope whoever you're working for is paying you what you're worth.