I really don't understand what this fuss is all about. Release into open beta is not an exception, not something unheard off. It's the standard procedure, new modules are released to either open beta or alpha, followed by stable a week or so later.
As mentioned, getting into open beta is a piece of cake. I have all three versions, the stable one is the one I use the least.
So people, hold off your pitchforks, release into open beta or alpha is a standard procedure, and a wise one if you ask me. :D