Free of obligations, Richard starts to reveal all.

KS per se may not give refunds. But apparently, there is a mechanism in KS by which a project starter can refund a backer. A full refund too, not necessarily the amount collected after KS takes their cut. This may not be well known which why I said KS aficionados (only) may be aware of it. I don't know the inner workings of a refund, like if there is a fees and schtuff between KS and the project starter. But the refund process definitely can be initiated by the project starter.

After my departure (actually more like an ousting) I expected Helix to send a partial refund (pledge - KS fee) by PayPal or maybe a good old fashion cheque (check to you Yanks) by postal mail. To my surprise, I received an auto-notification email from KS saying a refund has been forwarded to my original method of payment (and instructions what to do if that did not exist any longer). The refund appeared on my credit card balance a couple business days later.

Again, I'd point out that my case is unusual.