What about the future with a pinpoint?
I can answer a little bit of the pinpoint related questions. I checked into it recently and was told that in the recent software releases, both the Crossbow and Pinpoint will both function as a workable AHRS. (There had been an interim release at one point that required a pinpoint) So for people who have either,
you should easily be able to make them work.
Regarding future support, I believe the support worries probably aren't that big. Everything I've heard recently indicated that Big Chelton will be the support path, and also that new systems can be ordered from them including with the Pinpoint. So my guess is that they're much closer tied to that product than might be readily apparent. I would bet that part of the bush-off in the past for experimental inquiries was more related to them being timid about being involved in the experimental market themselves. (just a speculation) They probably chose to separate themselves somewhat, for the usual liability reasons. With the recent folding of D2AV, I would think that they'd have to bring themselves closer to it, or re-establish another workable distributor. Who knows. Whatever happens, I would definately do a "pay-at-the-time-of-shipment" deal, and none of the pay in full before order thing. It stinks when the product is good, but the vendors aren't trustworthy.
As for getting the pinpoint or any other system up and going, I think you will find that the systems are both not all that complex to deal with. You should easily be able to make inquiries to the normal dealers and get the answers you need. I find myself in a strange place too, in that I'm not related to any company, but I'm a very satisfied builder/flier with the systems. Having hooked up and operated both the Crossbow and the Pinpoint units in the past, I welcome any direct emails from builders who want a few tips on getting things wired up and working. I had to learn a lot along the way, and I think the best thing to do with knowledge is pass it along to others. Regardless of the AHRS you have, I'm sure you can obtain a very nice flying system. The Crossbow has had issues, and personally I believe they still have unresolved issues as I've been contacted as recently as this weekend by a builder who is having issues. But that doesn't mean that Crossbow will let you hang. All indications are that they really want to resolve things for people so I would expect that they follow through with the promise of fixes that they've made in the past. Be aware though that it is likely that things will be passed off as "installation issues", or "Builder issues" initially, so you'll need to be diligent about doing things "right" as you put together your system.
My biggest concern is not for those awating pinpoint delivery, but those who never received delivery on any of their components. It's those people I really hope can come out fulfulled in all of this. The warranty and support related issues are much more minor, and I believe they will be handled fine. If someone has the opportunity to test Big C's warranty support on the experimental systems, give a report so we can hear how it goes.
Tim