LonelyersI'm pretty sure they were referring to the fact that it is built on a kit pen. They don't really appear to be hiding that so long as you know what a JoWo nib is, but it's worth being aware that the pen itself is nothing special aside from the wood on the barrel.
NoCleverNameYes, to me, it is the barrel that draws my attention. I don't really have the opportunity to try out the pen in person, so I can only rely on the reviews available. And it seems the nib's performance is acceptable.
References: http://www.woodcraft.com/search2/search.aspx?query=fountain%20pen%20kit http://www.woodcraftpens.co.nz/collections/fountain-pens http://www.ebay.com/itm/Woodturning-Pen-Kit-1-Classic-Elite-Gold-Fountain-Pen-/221779842397?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item33a31bd55d
The colours on the barrel of this pen are really special - I don't really get why these pens would cost only $13 (I am talking about retail / actual price of the finished product - not the price of a kit, without the box elder barrel). If this finished product really did cost $13 each elsewhere, I would be willing to buy 10.
Unless substantial evidence surfaces that these pens are indeed overpriced here, I am going to take the negative comments as bare allegations. I personally would really love to see this drop succeed, as the pen looks very appealing to me. I am sharing two reviews of this pen here, hoping to attract more backers.
Gourmet Pens: http://www.gourmetpens.com/2015/01/massdrop-review-lanier-classic-elite.html#.VXBmKs-qpBc Well-appointed Desk: http://www.wellappointeddesk.com/2015/01/review-lanier-classic-elite-fountain-pen/