This does not come down to one mistake.
The biggest mistake was following the advice of someone who said he was not a financial expert of any kind, and could barely balance a checkbook.
And then to rely on his due diligence to invest in an obviously risky scam.
The mistakes are endless, and Dillard is as responsible for what has happened as anyone else. It is disgusting how he has handled the entire matter. Go read his letters as the drama unfolded. He actually says in one of them that he isn't sure if it's a scam or not, but he's going to leave his money in anyway to hope that he can make back what he lost.
That, folks, is a complete idiot no matter how you slice it. "Gee, I think this might be a scam, but I'm going to stay in anyway and see how it goes".
That is the genius that you followed into the black hole. By the way, there is zero chance of getting your money back, so bury that dream. Focus on holding him and the rest of this circus accountable because that is the only satisfaction you will receive.
If you still maintain hope that somehow Dillard is innocent in all of this, or did not act recklessly and without any regard for investors, you are foolish.
All the talk about members being the most important focus, etc - either complete delusion, or more likely, complete bull****.
Either way, your money is gone. I'll bet a green smoothie on it. Your only recourse is making sure this entire gang pays for it for a loooong time.