Lack of updates =/= lack of progress.
Similar to my project (and MANY others) he had to make a couple of small last minute changes which bumped him to the end of the line. With ALL card projects this is the duldrums, the time between proofs and printing. Deck creators who actually do make posts during this time are usually filling it in with fluff and non-information. Adam chooses not to waste your time with a non-update.
As for the no surveys... How many times can different creators say it.
Waiting until the last minute saves many headaches due to people moving. I was extremely clear in update #17...
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1017676492/quicksilver-playing-card-deck/posts/385841 I have still had to change over 100 addresses.
In the end, people want constant updates (when there isn't that much info) and even if you do update, only 1/4 of the backers read them.