As a backer, I am disappointed there hasn't been a response recently (I am also one of the ones that has posted on the Kick Starter asking for an update). But I think it is a bit rude to call it a, "scam".
I think clear work has been put into it, and was put into it up until 2017 - there were the issues with the artists and sprites that caused some delays. And clearly some personal issues from this post. Things were clearly slowing down in 2017 and came to a halt in 2018. ...I think the project would have benefited from some clarity about what was going on, certainly. And definitely WILL be needed if Lee is going to continue.
Do I want an update? Yes. Do we need regular updates/check-ins? Yes. Am I disappointed with the delay? Yes. Do I think this was an elaborate scam? No.