Ok, I give up.
But thats an interview, and stuff might sound different when he said it than they do in print.
The reason I mention this is because McEwen is a pro, and didn´t say that if he knew he could not deliver.
So in the end you are right, but I´m sure he didn´t know he was telling us a lie at the time (or even used those words).
McEwen has been carefull how he uses words not to promise, but to "inspire" and promote. Some might sounds like promises, but are hopes/dreams.
I bet he (and/or Amiga Inc) even intended to ship those t-shirts before getting into economic trouble.