Maybe I'm missing something (probably fond memories and press) but it just sounds like a company that got too much money, spent it poorly, got additional subsid

Maybe I'm missing something (probably fond memories and press) but it just sounds like a company that got too much money, spent it poorly, got additional subsidy from DARPA, then fell apart when the gravy train stopped. It's interesting to think what Hillis and the others could have done if it was run as a well funded research project for a fraction of the money they spent on expensive leases and gourmet chefs.