Not a pledge but I think people currently involved in testing are probably subject to some kind of NDA. I don't know if that means they can't give their opinion on design and things like that, but it may restrict someone from coming forward if they think they may be taking a chance.
In regard to progress, Swish seems right in that I haven't heard much in the way of recent updates. The last official video was six months ago. There are videos out there if you look though:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWoEXiM4laA
This guy is talkin about moves from Pre-Alpha to Alpha and some stuff they said at a Pax panel.
In any case, I think we'll get this game, but they are definitely taking their sweet ass time ... which might not be a bad thing.