I think you're on the money. As a game dev, long term fan of the game and a Patreon I might add that Runey is indeed hit by life events again. I can't speak on his behalf but as a creative it's more common than not to have dry spells of creativity especially when life gets you down. As you said he is one person. Most people haven't the faintest idea what it takes to make a game and it breaks my heart to see the blatant disrespect for such a hard working solo dev.