Quote Originally Posted by Asphexius View Post
This would be a valid point if this was an actual pre-order bonus that ended some time before release. As anyone can buy this game at any time and get the access immediately right up until 'release date' its not really going to do anything/split up the congestion.
Well, that's why the "real" release date is in name only. Totally for the sake of splitting up the userbase.
It's all about the pastiche. The illusion of consumer reward. Convincing those that come in "early" that they're getting something special, while those that don't care as much will just buy it when it comes out "officially". It's all for show to try to mitigate the rapid influx so that issues can work their way out before the "official" release date when the mighty eye of the media casts its judging gaze.