Early access...whats the point?

[Gyson]

EA is so I can look around the maps in peace while not seeing fifty thousand people blocking my view.

I think it's reasonable to suggest that the majority will be right there alongside you "blocking your view" in Early Access rather than the official launch date. Most FFXIV players who plan to continue playing will be getting Heavensward (who wouldn't want access to the entire game?), and most of them will probably be pre-ordering. Yes, these are just guesses, but fairly safe ones I feel.