On the flip side Joe, while I completely agree with your comments, look at it from their point of view.

They want a new printer, so they decide to let random strangers fund it. If they meet their goal, ok they have to make some easy to print paddles. IF they don't the cost is of a new printer is still rediced, and they have to waste less time printing paddles. They write off the time lost into the cost of the printer and they now have good piece of equipment.

It's genius if you ask me. Way better than funding potato salad.