From the PDF: "Each U54 core has a high-performance single-issue in-order 64-bit execution pipeline, with a peak sustained execution rate of one instruction per clock cycle.". I.e. lower performance per clock vs an ARM Cortex A53 (2-way in-order execution 64 bit CPU).
As prototype, the price is OK, in my opinion. In volume there is no reason for not selling a tiny board with those specs for under 40 USD (e.g. 2GB RAM Pine 64 quad Cortex A53 boards with gigabit ethernet are below 30 USD, including 3D and video acceleration).
While I love the Pine64 concept, the crappy docs and closed graphics blobs means that Linux tends to have all sorts of weirdness, let alone BSD. I can't wait for a first-class open platform.
Sure. I would love to buy that RISC-V board. But 1000 USD is way too much. Anyway, it is not a bad start, e.g. exotic ARM dev boards are very expensive, too.
As prototype, the price is OK, in my opinion. In volume there is no reason for not selling a tiny board with those specs for under 40 USD (e.g. 2GB RAM Pine 64 quad Cortex A53 boards with gigabit ethernet are below 30 USD, including 3D and video acceleration).