I think it's kind of pretentious that these people think you need a separate console for indie games when anyone can develop for PC and there's already one of those in most homes. Sounds to me like these guys just wanna throw the same party steam's been throwing only this time they're the ones selling the drinks.
I dunno how to feel about the venture. Relying on the kindness of strangers (hey we made a hackable console please don't pirate/cheat on it) is so naive a gesture I can't help but feel a little sympathetic. And yet they're trying to use kick starter to launch a large corporation, the chief beneficiaries of which, will be themselves. That leaves a bad taste in my mouth.