Not quite Phoenix, the gripe is that up until this newsletter the understanding of a number of premium beta backers was that in effect the alpha process would end, making all the alpha people premium beta backers in effect, and that the premium beta would roll out. This would end the wait for the Premium Beta backers. In the main they have been very patient.
The newsletter now says that the alpha backers get the premium beta (and all subsequent builds) in advance of the premium beta backers (there is no mention of “for testing purposes”). So the premium beta is released, can be played/tested for an undisclosed period of time, but not by the premium beta backers who understandably thought they had bought just that. It's not about playing advantage, it's about not getting what you thought you had bought.
I saw the aircraft analogy above, and I think I can adopt it. On a long haul flight there is first class, business class, premium economy and economy. Everyone is cool (they may have some envy) with the way that First Class gets priority boarding, lots of space, get let off the aircraft first at the destination, have a great wine selection etc etc. Those in the other classes don’t mind, because when they were booking the seat they could, if they wished, book First Class. Indeed the extra odd free gifts first class get (an awesome wash kit, lots of miles, sometimes other free upgrades) are fine because none of it interferes with the other passengers’ flight.
Some booked business class, which has a few privileges, including a reasonable amount of space, a good (not great) food selection etc. Again those in other classes don’t mind, they could have booked Business.
This is repeated through the aircraft.
Now we come to board, and everyone in business class has just been told that First Class needs peace and quiet at the start of the flight, so nobody can sit in business class for the first couple of hours while those in First Class settle down to sleep. After that Business Class will be available for seating.
To calm the situation some people from First Class walk into coach, holding glasses of Veuve Cliquot and say “Why didn’t you know this would happen, we need our sleep! In any event the seats are not that comfortable, and this is a very poor vintage.”