This is a lengthy process .....

It hasn't been abandoned - it just wouldn't make any sense to create a full working bot as they have done and then toss it aside. The only explanation that makes sense is that this what they referred to as 'the culling' - a means to shakeout all but the most dedicated whales. For every sell, someone is buying.
I expect when they do come back online and perhaps even reveal RhinoHunter at the same time most the of the support base will be furious - mainly because they dumped and tried their luck on BOT and other coins that probably cost them money. Sadly that's necessary to get rid of the weak hands and refuel for the next uptrend.