I agree. Both Stardock and GPG deserve massive amounts of praise for getting this game together. Not only that, but for putting up with all our moaning when we see something is so blatantly overpowered that we would have expected them to have seen it themselves!
As to your main post, I find that quite interesting to get an insider's opinion. If people who work at a company aren't too keen on all the red tape, then imagine how the fans feel! On the other hand though, I do understand all the secrecy. In my opinion, it's far more exciting to see small snippets of a game and then go out and get it on release day, although there is risk in that, because it might end up being a completely duff game, and that's why I like it when companies do public beta testing. I've been a gamer for a long time, but I've noticed a real increase recently in the amount of betas coming out. We had one for Team Fortress 2, there's been Darkfall, Battlefield Heroes, and of course Demigod. I'm sure there are a few more that have slipped under my eagle-eye (hah!)
Anyway, all the best to both Stardock and GPG. here's to a smooth, flawless and successful release! 
