If I'm not mistaken, I believe they said alpha would be limited to Japan only.

Also, the player's poll is inaccurate as not every player completed the poll. Only 35.4% of respondents said they wished to continue playing after the final save state. There is another population that exists but isn't computed in totals, so the data isn't completely accurate.

Either way, having the servers open is a win-win for SE. Those that don't want to keep playing aren't hurt, and those that do aren't helped. They can maintain relationships and social connections while they wait for 2.0. The real issue for SE is maintaining the interest of those players not looking to play after the final save date. Some attrition is expected due to the timing of 2.0 release, but it will be tough. Adequate information and advertising will help bolster those numbers as we approach ARR.