SE is always SE... Rage inside... :/

[Shougun]

And if they had done that then EVERYONE would have "met the requirements" even if some had to lie about them. I dont remember if it took a system scan and uploaded your specs to them or not, if there was then that would be the only way to keep applications legitimate. Random within certain categories is the best way to go and no matter what, someone will be left out and that someone will not be happy.

They recorded your system specs. Also they had a questioner and can use forum / game data to decide. I assume they put preference to past alpha testers as well. I'm fairly certain they at least made 3 groups.

Someone will always be mad but with transparency less would be so.

That is what SE did, but they didn't make things public... what it seems to me they did was classify all applicants in to group A,B,C,D.... depending on the application answers.... and then they picked X amount of people from each group and made a wave... for future alpha they will do the same except people who are in this one can't be in any future alpha's (guessing here)...

I'm pretty sure you carry through each phase of alpha - but the invite doesnt count towards beta.