Sure, from the perspective of a normal crowdfunding campaign I'd agree.
But they are such an integral part of this platform, that alone should've helped to fill the goal and push them up in the indiegogo system for more eyes to see.
Is distributing upvotes the only thing this community is able to?
Well checking @utopian-io account, you can also see the lack of publicity they have given their own campaign, how are most of steemians, that are mostly non coders non tech focused people, that just post and interact on the chain supposed to learn about their campaign when you visit their profile everything seems to be running alright except for a pessimistic post talking about how they are going to go down without investment? I support Utopian 100% and want to see them succeed but as you said, If they are an integral part of the platform, why are they not advertising this harder?
You are right.
Not having heard of the campaign is a very valid reason, and if that's what the majority will reply it's kinda sad.
I used the tag #whales because I assume they're at least as informed as I am (so basically not at all, although I've seen it before it was pure luck that I had a look now).