What is the point of Early access??

So as the title states whats the point of Early access if realms are locked so early in to early access?

The " unofficial oceanic " server was locked before an hour passed after the start of early access and now anyone who wants to be part of an oceanic community has to either wait to see if the world unlocks ( how on earth are we meant to know if that is going to occur ) or create a character somewhere else and ' PAY ' to transfer our character at a later stage.

Besides the whole oceanic spin, there are 8 NA/EU realms already locked 2hrs into early access and no indication to any new players whether they will be unlocked at a later stage or not.