So summing it up:

- First the author promises to release under GPL "shortly before BH".
- After the date arrives, he changes his mind saying "there is no reliable way to install this thing". Therefore, no release. BUT!
- He also tries to lie about promising a release date, removing the announcement from his site, even though many other places had already cached the entry. Even a poster in this forum repeated it here.
- As if it hadn't been enough, he then says that he is now going to *sell* (no GPL release anymore for the moment, but he again promises GPL in the future) this thing together with an SD card (presumably because he's trying to be consistent with his claim about not having a reliable way to install).
- Starts to receive payments for a while, only to suddenly let a lot of people down AGAIN. This time no reason given. BUT!
- He now says he is providing a download link at some point in future (all of the sudden the "unreliable way to install" is not a problem?), IF! he reaches some monetary goal.

is this $(bad word of choice here) for real?

There has to be some respect towards the community. People can't be going around spreading lies to presumably achieve who knows what kind of fraudulent scheme.

What if people made commitments counting on the author's fraudulent promises? (I mean he started to receive MONEY for this thing, their "this is free software" argument does not hold anymore) what if someone bought this hardware counting on being able to install this driver? only to end up being played a fool by this person? of course each one is responsible about their actions, I am just wondering who accounts this guy responsible for his lies?

In my country you know what we say to people like the author?

Get your driver and roll it up, pretty well rolled up, and shove it up your shirt's pocket.

...of course, that is because we are not a "litigious society" like the US, IANAL, but could all of this be suable?...

I mean, someone publishes: "pay me money, I will send you an SD card with software on it". He gets your money, *possibly* getting some earnings out of it, and then gives it back to you after some time, saying: oops, sorry, I cant give you what I promised. I am giving your money back, but pay me again through this other means, I will send you a link to the software at some point in the future. He gets your money again, presumably getting more earnings out of it, and then again gives it back to you. Maybe giving another excuse who knows. Rinse and repeat at nauseam. All this time he uses your money abusing your trust.

The "neopwn scheme" ... you gotta admit...sick ...

just my 2 cents.
PS: Could all these posts backing up the author have been made by the same person? I mean, even the "alleged" driver author who now removed his post? oh my... Identity theft? plot thickens.