Quote Originally Posted by van_arn View Post
I'm more impressed this "rigorous scientific strawpoll" will be cited for years as conclusive proof that we need yet another catboy-adjacent, when the poll is already overruled; the decision is already made.
It actually won't, and there's an even more in-depth poll about ShB anticipation regarding the missing genders. Even taking into concern the limited data from the Forum users (and reddit since that one was shared there as well), a decent sample size is enough to gauge interest. And it doesn't need to be a "majority" of the players, just "enough" to justify the expenses (in the very same live letter you're quoting, Yoshi even says:

Character creation is about providing players with options, and while there’s no telling how many people will utilize these options, we also believe that there is value simply in having them exist—in empowering people to fill the world with greater variety.

Quote Originally Posted by van_arn View Post
Concerns have been anticipated, and the fallout has been considered acceptable in exchange for what the Hrothgar offer. This door is shut for so long it doesn't matter what anyone thinks now.
You have interpreted Yoshi's words to mean a final "no" when it really is a non-commital non-answer.

As you play through Shadowbringers, you’ll learn that both male Viera and female Hrothgar exist. While you won’t meet any in person, if we developers can find a way to address the various problems which are preventing us from implementing them, then perhaps someday you’ll be able to see them for yourself. I want to be clear that this does not mean it will eventually happen, and that I cannot make any promises at this time. I hope you will understand and bear with us.
Right before the part you bolded, even. It's not saying yes, but the door is not "shut" so we can still show our support.