One of the hesitations I have about buying the Imperial Edition....is that I don't want to spend $20 extra for a race that is playable by everyone else within a few short months. That would REALLY svck. If that is the case I will not buy it.

No one but the devs know what the future plans might be.

For your reference, ive played allot of games that released collectors editions items at a later date in some way, shape, or form. However, most of them were years after, & i don't know if ESO will do this or not, nobody knows besides devs like Patriarch said. All you can do is wait. Or throw out the extra 20 if you really want it.

I was hoping maybe for a quote from a dev saying "The Imperial race is something special we did for our hardcoe Elder Scrolls Fans...so only those that purchase the Imperial Edition will be able to play this race. Period."

of course.

if the price is right

Suggestion: Buy the standard version and wait.

You will be able to upgrade to the imperial version after the game goes live. If you are not sure if you should buy the standard or the CE right now, go with the standard.

I think they said something along these lines at the latest AMA or at least regarding the ability to choose your faction with the pre-order. The pre-order boni will not be obtainable in any other way. I would argue that it is the same for IE but things can change, and so can developer opinions.

I'm thinking it will be something sold in the in-game store later on, along with being able to play any race in any faction. By getting the Imperial edition/pre-ordering you get it earlier. But that's just my opinion.

My understanding (which could be wrong) is that upgrade to the imperial edition will be available in the cash shop. So if you want to play SE, you can upgrade to imperial later. The reddit chat they did said that the only thing that will be locked to the Imperial Edition preorder is being able to play any race in any faction. That will never be available ever again.

You can upgrade to the Imperial edition, but the race itself won't be available in any other way, due to the fact it was advertised as being exclusive to the Imperial Edition.

Ah ok, thanks for the clarification.

Yup, according to the store FAQ anyone will be able to buy an upgrade to IE, but the pick any fanction bonus will (for now, anyway) remain a pre-order bonus for either version:

I didn't realize that a mere $20 is all it took to be considered "hardcoe"