you are correct. much of this could have been avoided.
They had indication based off stress tests and betas, and early access.

Infact...you cant even say early access shouldn't count because you didnt pay for it. that bullshit. many people pre-ordered because early access was an advertised feature. that counts as buying it. even if its not game time. fact is...it was a promised selling feature. thus...not being able to play early access is a problem. legally its not fraud because the license agreement limits what they owe us from a server problem standpoint. we've agreed to the terms that its available as they are able to provide it etc...

But that is no way to keep players happy or willing to subscribe where there are plenty of other games to choose from.