OK, here is what I decided to think/hope:

Look closely at each site. Look above the little information box. One says Beta Tester Application Site. The other says Beta Tester Registration site. They do not contradict eachother; they do not contradict previous information.

Remember this:
Quote Originally Posted by Lodestone
Application Period:
Until Monday, July 22, 2013 (PDT)
* On the above date and time, the Beta Tester Application Site will be temporarily closed and will reopen when Beta Test phase 4(final Beta Test) begins.

Registration Period:
Until Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 9:59 p.m. (PDT)
* If your beta code has not been registered by the above date and time, you will need to resubmit your application at the Beta Tester Application Site once Beta Test phase 4 begins.

Registration is entirely different than application. Application must take place before registration. Let's just hope those of us who have already applied and registered (most of us) will begin before the 17th, and that new applicants can apply (starting the day that we all get to start testing again) will then get to register on the 17th and start as additional wave of testers once they register their brand new codes on the 17th.

Perhaps.... Phase 4 = Aug 11 - 19 (with new testers being able to join on the 17th for the last weekend)
3 days downtime
Early access start Aug 23

Who's with me?