and are meant to test the log in server and fix the load then why are they still only 3 days long and why are they structured the same way every test has been structured?

If the goal is to actually have the log in servers ready for launch why not keep the world open until that is accomplished? They havent put in a new build (according to all the defenders) in months so whats the difference? Nothing is going to be seen that most guys cant see anyway.

Opening the world for 72 or so hours and closing it again with the same issues it has had for months isnt really doing anything. Obviously since the game is still running like crap.

Also having them run on a weekday might have then get back into a lower load scenario (similar to the early Friday starts) and let them see what happens when the load is diminished.

More or less a rhetorical question because I dont abide by these excuses and I imagine what you see is what youre going to get regardless.

I believe the difference is server-side fixes.

There are hardware tests as well as software tests, many internal tests to be checked and rechecked. We don't know all the whys and may never know. Im sure that the makers know when the game is to be released, and Im certain they are aware of the issues involved. Now then... Did we all turn in the bugs we saw while in game? If not why not?

Because they don't want people login at their own pace. They want all people to log in at once to stress the system. Longer beats doesn't help to accomplish that goal. Shorter duration does.

They want result under heavy load. For other result, they already have dedicated tester group for it so no point seeing how the server fare against low population.

I think you are also forgetting that these open beta tests (sure it is not technically open, but anybody who wants a key can find one easily, it's practically open) are not the only tests they are doing.
The finer tweaks of game play are being done in private alpha tests.

We have anhttp://www.gamesas.com/topic/1492032-how-is-this-game-ready-for-release-in-one-month/ for this discussion. Please feel free to discuss this there.