People have said on his forums lately that he should just put us to the test on kickstarter, at which point all the risk would be gone. Bronies would have to put up or shut up. But Shout Factory doesn't seem to be interested.
THIS. As Kickstart is becoming more popular, this is the route they SHOULD take. I'm not sure if they either don't care or if there is something in their contract that prevents them from doing so...but like you said, it would be the perfect way to test the waters. I would jump on this Day 1.