Monkey,
Yeah, I would certainly look at this release as a pay-to-beta for the next 3 months or so. Then again, I do not mind that. I would have probably signed up a lot sooner than this, if it had been available.
However, I think the real reason for the Nov 8 release is to beat WoW out of the gate. Although I think the audiences for EQ2 and WoW are fundamentally different. That said, I don't think EQ2 can afford to let WoW have a 3 month head start.
And, the thinking over at WoW is the same, if I don't miss my guess. Neither of these are going to have much, if any, 'Open Beta' time. Although WoW *may* be further along in base quality, I expect more from EQ2 in the long run. PvP will belong to WoW, though.
See you In-Country
Shoal