I predict the status of 2.6 to have a considerable affect on the overall success of the anniversary sale, at least in relative terms. In other words, i'm sure it will be a 'success' and increase funding for the game, but i'm predicting that the final number raised would be significantly lower without 2.6 vs. with it in the hands of players.

Right now the backers are a bit restless to say the least..having seen the potential at the last two major events and not getting a taste of any progress as of yet (regardless of whether that is reasonable to expect). Buying more ships (concept or not) is going to be a harder sell with that in mind for some on the fence about splurging on sales.

Now if 2.6 were out (or at least in PTU where release was imminent), hype would be replenished and players would be absorbing the content in droves. With new AC changes, dogfighting getting a refresh- that coinciding with a sale could get a lot of extra players to double down.

I'm a long time backer, and know that despite how realistic expectations members of this community have (and how overall a person may be very supportive of the project)...i've noticed a constant peak and valley cycle in terms of enthusiasm. Earlier this year we had a major valley after 2.0 was no longer fresh and before Gamescom. Gamescom and the months after put us back on a peak as we got excited about what was to come. Waiting like this has put things back into a bit of a valley until (what i'm predicting) the release of 2.6.

Sales and ships coming out the gate during a peak seems it could have a significant effect.