I'm not suggesting you should spend more than you need to. However if you haven't got the money to make it the way you want, cutting corners (which some appear to have been suggesting) is not a satisfactory solution if the option is there to obtain the funding from other sources.

I fail to see why seeking funding, whether from conventional financial sources or through crowdfunding, might be considered unethical. It's no different from any other enterprise which needs capital. Kickstarter exists to bring together people who need money for a project and people who are willing to invest. Alternatively you could approach people directly, in the real world or online (like Anne did on Mudcat). Just as with a conventional loan, you're only likely to raise sufficient funds if the lenders or crowdfunders have confidence in you to deliver.

Of course, you have to approach potential funders in a way which will leave them well-disposed towards you and willing to invest (unlike Phil Cooper's FB friend). That's understandable that complaints arise from situations where this hasn't been handled very well, but it doesn't invalidate the method itself.