The time may be a little late for this, but I hope it isn't.

Let us suppose that no publisher will pick up the financing slack. Let me propose, then, that Guild Software make itself an informally public company, which can then sell "shares" in the most informal sense. Users may purchase shares if they wish, and the general public may as well.

Shares might not be the best word, but it'll do. The point is that each indicates a certain level of investment in the game. When (and I say when) the game becomes ready to publish, those who have invested in the game stand to gain a small benefit; either a microscopic slice of profit, or a modest reduction in monthly fees--whatever works. Perhaps heavier investers could have a tangible, in game/beta benefit: Their own logos on their ships, for instance.

The advantages: With a tangible benefit, wallets may be a little looser. It may cut into the profits to be made from the game (if any), but it also gets the lovely, patient folk at Guild out with a game that has market share, giving them also the numbers to ram rudely into the collective publisher's face.

Disadvantages? It'd be a numeric pain in the hindpart. It'd require a certain level of financial administration, as well as a few extra widgets coded into the game that weren't intended yet. I think they're fairly small disadvantages, though.

I could do the supply and demand for guildsoftware...And publicity as well.