Normally I would agree with you on that point. But, and correct me if I'm wrong on this point, don't you have to completely pre-purchase the game to be guaranteed access to the beta? The point could be made that if they are going to require payment in order to get 100% confirmed beta access that there is going to be a major expectation that everyone at least be able to play.
Well, remember that ArenaNet had an open Beta enrollment a while ago, and those people are still in the running for Beta access. All Pre-Purchase gets you is the 3-day headstart and guaranteed access to the Betas. If you're such a fan of the game that you absolutely must get into the Beta, you're probably gonna buy it. Might as well just do it now, right?
Plus, MMOs in the past have suffered from a glut of pre-orders to get Beta Access, only to have those people cancel once the freebie sessions are over. By putting guaranteed access behind a per-purchase, they ensure that they aren't running these events so a bunch of lookie-loos can demo their game. Remember,
they actually want to test it.
We'll see
I really don't want to play a Warrior, but that draw of the big weapon is always appealing to me.
Well, if Warrior isn't your thing, remember that Guardians, Mesmers and Rangers also can use them. If you're into caster classes, Guardians and Mesmers can both use staves, scepters, foci, etc. Guardian with a Staff seems to be pretty castery.