For many years nothing happens with Toribash, than, all of a sudden: new versions arise, new items and stuff, it goes on Steam for GreenLight program...
Only one conclusion I can make from this: Whatever amount of money TB was earning for Hampa, dropped. TB is in danger to be shut down, and developer is now doing everything to rise interest for the game and start getting enough money so it won't happen.
Otherwise, all of this new stuff would have been done sooner.
Wouldn't be surprised if it were true. Tb is a semi-dysfunctional half-assed beta-stage indie game. You said it better in some thread in discussion/suggestions, in a more explained and polite manner. Snake makes a point in making toribash p2p but that ship has sailed, it's a fruitless effort. Only a handful of people would want pay for it now, the rest would likely only stay on the forums, newcomers won't find it worth their money or their time because of earlier mentioned reasons. It isn't even about how much money you have, you'd just see the purchase as a waste. The game isn't even finished yet, imo. The only real reason i stick around is because of the community and the people i've come in contact with.