I read through this thread on GW2Guru and the extreme RAEG throughout it really brought in the lulz. Since we seem to be more capable of reasonable discussion with our more modeset population here, I thought it'd be an interesting topic to discuss. While I expect the later beta weekend events to be as close to "open" as you can get, (sign up and "GG you're in") I imagine they'll be far more picky with the first few following the one for press next month. So the question posed is: should GW1 players have any priority in beta?
Arguments ranged from "ZOMG I DON'T HAVE GW1 SO ABSOLUTELY NOT" to "HURR I PLAYED GW1 FROM LAUNCH SO ABSOLUTELY YES," with a sprinkling of the entitled: "ANet owes us." Now, as a GW1 player from launch and owner of all campaigns, I would hope that I get at least a second look, but I can understand why ANet wouldn't want to play favorites.
ANet has always been aware of the fact that players treat open betas as demos, so maybe their level of concern isn't even that high. Part of me wants to join the "we supported you from the beginning, let us in first!!111!1" argument, but another part of me says we're already sold on this game, so let people who are curious and a bit less well-versed on the game in to give it a try and (hopefully) change their outlook on MMOs. We may lose some hype as the game takes longer to release, but we know we're getting it regardless. I've supported them for a long time, and been interested in GW2 with fluctuating anticipation since they announced the game oh so many years ago. Meanwhile I have one friend that started playing at the same time as me but never even made it through post-searing Ascalon, and another who never touched the game and is already in love with GW2. Which of us would be the most excited for beta, which would actually be the most useful tester? Will beta sway any of our decisions, or help from a viral marketing standpoint? (this is a rehtorical question, obviously it's me on all 3 counts )
So for everyone: the long-time GW1 players, the ones who quit 2 months after playing Prophecies, the new players who are fighting their way to 30/50 HoM points, and those who have never touched the game, what are your feelings on this - should it even be a consideration, and if so, how much of a role should it play?