"As it turns out, 95 percent of preorders have been for the more expensive package, which Cleveland admits has "really surprised" the team."
I was one of those 95% and I think the primary reason for this is people want to pay him for the original mod. I don't care if NS2 is terrible, in my mind I am paying him for NS1.
NS has a really dedicated fan community - it's not surprising that most would preorder the special edition. I did this myself and even if the game never makes it out, I consider it money well spent for the value NS1 gave me, and to give Charlie and co. the opportunity to build NS2.
I was one of those 95% and I think the primary reason for this is people want to pay him for the original mod. I don't care if NS2 is terrible, in my mind I am paying him for NS1.