I'm afraid You missing the point little.
It's not about beta version. In my definition 'beta' have to be feature complete (contains all intended functionality of the final version, however is not yet final due to bugs, performance or stability issues) .
There is no question about beta, we know that beta is necessary, and there is no doubt there will be one at some point.
The Zimke's question is more about some kind of open late alpha (pre-beta?) version (without all planed features finished). Basically it will be partially completed version with only some features functional and most probably save game incompatible.
Again, it's not decision about 'beta', definitely there will be 'beta' at right time.
IMHO the discussion should be if you like to test unfinished alpha stage product and will not hate us about missing features (at least until 'true' beta

).