Everything they offer us is a promise.
They're a company. We're customers. The point at which we paid them one cent is the point at which they owed us something. The fact that they continue to tell us we're going to get things constitutes something of a contract. It gives us the expectation of a product. When they do things that prevent that expectation from being fulfilled, people have a right to be justifiably upset.
Fanboys can call the people who are complaining about it crybabies all they want, but in the end, the fact remains that early release is not a gift--it was promised to us. Without the promise of early release, none of us would have pre-ordered.
Communication is key. If you want to have launch go your way, have a plan and communicate it to your fan base. Keep your customers happy. As it sits, I'd estimate for every one post that is positive about how they're handling this release, there's 6 to 7 negative ones. Fanboys can say what they want, but statistically, there cannot be that many immature folks out there. The problem ultimately falls on the feet of the company who created the expectations.
I think the game is great--as does most everyone who got to test it. That's why we all want in. But the utter lack of communication, and the disregard for the concerns of their fan base is frightening for a launch because, of all the games set to topple the giants, this was the only one that stood a chance. I'm hoping the damage hasn't been done. Further, I hope that future releases will not be handled in such a manner. Customers need the confidence to purchase and know when they will receive their products. Promises, however nice they may seem, are still promises.
Thoughts....