I'm sure all the enthusiasts that have put money towards the project know there is a strong chance it won't fly. Personally I'm pleasantly surprised it's got as far as it has. Where we differ from Oldlag53 and Racing snake is that we don't regard the facts that success is not assured and that costs are difficult to predict as a reason for not trying.
It was obvious right from the start that problems such as corrosion would be found, and yet the identification of every issue seems to be regarded as a sign of incompetence or worse, rather than of progress being achieved.
Incidentally the main issue with flying 'complex' aircraft on a permit to fly is support from the design authority. This is what stopped the Lightning, Buccaneer and I believe Shackleton from flying. There is no blanket ban whatever Area51 might say.