Patreon is extremely careful to only go after small-to-medium developers who rely on their income and can't afford to fight back if it's taken from them.
They also banned me right after the start of the month pledges were processed. I'm not saying that was planned, but it's a hell of a coincidence.
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I imagine if enough supporters email patreon and use their words in a civil manner... words like chargeback and class action, they might see reason and release their hold on that $8K. But I would definitely be calling lawyers. Most consults cost nothing, as well as making this as widely known as possible.