Lady Ada does it. What more do I need to say?
Does not LA actually design, manufacture, and sell electronic modules and devices that could utilize sample chips? Sounds like just what the program is aimed at. I'm not down on hobbyist that apply for such samples, I just buy what I want to play with. I can afford it and it keeps me a little more disciplined as I have too much stuff and too many uncompleted projects as it is.
Lefty