The only thing is, if they start the maintenance earlier, then they would be cutting into the time of the people who are able to play. Who knows what they are doing. They could be in dungeons or in midst of quests with the idea that it will come down at a certain time. It would only be unfair to them and would also show that SE did not stick to their word. Who is to say they wont do the same to us when we are on, unaware and then mid-dungeon BAM! Maintenance happens earlier then expected and you planned to stop playing a few mins before it went live. You were also at the last boss and were seconds away before beating it. Since you are DPS its hard to even create a party and now you have to spend hours on the Duty Finder queue just to get another one going. How sucky is that?

I'd have more respect for a company that keeps its word especially on timing because at least you can plan around it.