I am basing my view point solely on being told or hearing that the alpha version was advertised on the boards. If that is the case, then it was released en masse as anyone would be able to try it. I don't know how an alpha version could be newer than a beta version unless Jon decided to label it as such. By definition, software is usually developed as:

Pre-alpha --> Alpha --> Beta --> Release candidate and finally several other terms.

Alpha programs are generally tested within the company and is very "buggy." Once stabilized, it is usually beta tested by a select group of people outside of the company or sometimes distributed via download to more.

I think I will not comment on what practices were given the initial alpha version.

Bert
Pediatrics
Brewer, Maine