Not to scare anyone off or anything, but I was curious as to how long Vendetta TEST will be available as a free public beta. Will there be a point where the Vendetta TEST will split off into two games that will be developed side by side? For example the TEST version would be continuously updated, but only in terms of the engine and bugfixes (no new sectors, ships, etc.). And the final version will build off of the TEST but will NOT be available to the public. That way we would be able to continue finding bugs without being spoiled by the final version's storyline and graphics etc.

Or will the TEST evolve into the final version and all public beta testing will cease at the point where it is decided that it is no longer a TEST? Or will public beta testing continue to the point where it can be called a demo or trial version of the full game, up to and including some major features that are planned for the final version? Or does Guild Software not even know yet and the outcome of the free public beta might very well depend on who's publishing the game? Just curious.

This isn't a public beta, only so many people can join.

I don't see the devs exercising their right to block entry...

WE are the public and it IS free. I don't recall being required to sign an NDA via mail. I believe most (if not all) closed betas require some formal NDA or contractual agreement. Public betas don't. Whether a limited number of people can join or not does signify whether it is one.