Ah, well thats disappointing. Still seems like half of the leg work would be there already though. All the artwork, all dimensions, the rom itself, if customs cart shells were made the tooling should still exist, all of the knowledge of having done it all before etc.
People could pre order or pay up front, thats how other games, statues, and many other small runs are done. There are ways around things.
I understand what your saying on the chips, but its not like every company is not able to produce anything anymore. I agree making something right now may bring additional complications, but that doesn't mean it will always be this way.