Would you feel more accepting of these projects (the more-vetted ones at least) if hospitals start explicitly asking for any and all ventilator hardware?
However, every single professional whom I've talked to, or whose comments I read, argued that well-trained professionals are the real bottleneck. None of them said they would try out a minimalist ventilator.
I can really understand the desire to do something in order to help those who work on the frontline. However, all this effort and ingenuity would be better spent on other projects:
- personal protective equipment (masks, face shields)
- simple replacement parts
- maybe some simple devices (e.g., CPAP, air filters)
I read some of your links from above, and I agree it's good to be skeptical. I'm basically waiting for hospitals to start announcing that DIY ventilators are the right move, but by the time that happens, it may be too late to start sourcing materials and get things built in time to make a difference.