The issue is that it's hard to tell what % done it is and what more needs to be done at this point. That's part of the job of the devs we get to do this. The project has been worked on by a number of different people on and off over the years, most of whom aren't with the company anymore.
What I want to do is to get two top notch developers to own this project. That includes reviewing everything we have, planning out what needs to be done, giving realistic timelines for completing it, and then getting it done.
Ultimately, if the DAO decides to help out here then the token holders will be trusting me to use the funds wisely to get this done in as high-quality and efficient a way as possible. We will make sure to be very transparent throughout the entire process, and share with the community the list of tasks that need to be done and their progress on a regular basis.
I'd be happy to discuss this in more detail on a DAOn hall or other avenue as well as I think this is a very important topic.
So the way I read is that there is a lack of continuity on this project.
If I take my project management experience for 'non-software' related project, I'd estimate that it will probably take more time that you estimate right now; especially considering new developers in the project.
That brings us to the question of money. DAO is running out of stables. I am unsure where the money is going to come from.
The DAO has over $2M of non-SL funds available. Some ETH can be sold if needed. I'm not saying that to mean that you should approve this proposal, I'm just pointing out that should it be approved, the DAO has more than enough available for it.
As for the timeline, in my experience it all depends on the lead developer. There are some developers who make projects go on and on forever and there are some who know how to get things done and often surprise you by how quickly they do things. I have the latter sort of developer already picked out to lead this project and I plan to try to get it done with or without the help of the DAO (this proposal wasn't even my idea).
I agree and welcome your plan that you describe on the second paragraph. It makes sense.
ETH is a bluechip. I hope we can hold on to it at least for the exchange listing, if that ever materializes. For a 'salary paying' type of funding if we have to sell our bluechip holding that will be unfortunate.