well i didn't get invited to the alpha aswell, tho i have been playing 1.0 since day 1 when alpha started and i also gave lots of feedback, but it's obvious that SE would also like to draw in some feedback of the players that didn't stick to the game till the end.

the way current players view this game and how new players will react to it will be different in many ways, so will the feedback.but SE has already drawn in plenty of feedback by current players and is thus probably interested in feedback by outside players aswell.

Alpha/Beta tests are there to be tested obviously, but also to be played.
i guess it's save to say that SE did invite 50% new players and 50% old players to cover up the feedback they need.

best that can happen is that those that quit along time ago, or those that never took an interest in FFXIV will do so now, and start talking about it on different websites.
i don't think i will have to tell you how fanboys would react on the internet about 2.0, eh?
i guess everyone that sticked with this from beginning to end is kind of a fanboy.
atleast i can openly admit i am, but i welcome new players any time!