Hey there @JL_678,
For others' reference, the issue with Photon shipment is the same one that we've been dealing with for nearly 6 weeks now--the availability of authentic, low L/T voltage regulators. This issue is described in the first post of the "Photon Manufacturing/Shipping Update" thread, described here:
The RT8008-33 is the voltage regulator on the Photon, produced by a manufacturer named Richtek. We purchased stock for this part through a couple of authorized distributors near our manufacturing facility in China. The initial shipment of modules, which we used to manufacture a small batch of about 3,000 Photons that were shipped in late May, passed IQC with flying colors. The following shipment, however, had abnormally high quiescent current draw (current consumption when the Photon is in deep sleep) which would mean significantly reduced lifetime for projects running on batteries.
As far as pre-orders go, we're estimating there will be a balance of about 2,000 Photons with Breadboard Headers in Matchbox packaging that are unfulfilled after the wave of 5K units are sent out due to the challenges we're having with the voltage regulators. As I mentioned in the most recent shipping update that you've quoted above, we'll provide more frequent updates on the sourcing effort for that part since it impacts our ability to fulfill remaining pre-orders, and hope to identify additional stock in the next few days that will unfreeze these units.
I completely understand the frustration--we're frustrated with the performance of our CM as well. Unfortunately, these kinds of issues arise during hardware manufacturing, and though they don't reflect well on anyone, the only thing we can do is provide consistent, transparent updates to our community, which we've done our best to do. We sincerely appreciate the patience, and look forward as much as you do to the upcoming weeks when we're actively in stock and Photons will pour out promptly and effortlessly from our fulfillment center in the US 