I see your point, but I'd have to disagree. Games do have a complete stage: Release.
Alphas and Betas are building the Foundation. With release you never really change core fundamental mechanics. You tweak and optimize and tinker with them, much like you maintain and repair a house.
If you change the foundational mechanics of your game, you have to re-release it as a new game, because what you initially penned down as your idea is not what you are selling anymore.
I'd say Final Fantasy 14 depicts this point adequately of scrapping their game, rebuilding it and re-releasing.
That said: I do think this is a topic for another section. It almost sounds like we are now talking about the game instead of the Foundation program. There are many views you can take on this, and I certainly see yours and appreciate it.