First off I want to say that FG has always looked excellent. I have always wanted to use it, but the pricing and initial cost layout is what always kept me away (not that I can't afford it) and I have never quite reached the point of feeling comfortable enough. I have always wanted dynamic lighting for example, which is why I was excited about the opportunity to see FGU.
Now multiple times I have seen FGU referred to as an "open beta" which should mean exactly as it sounds like. OPEN. But as far as I can see, if you want to see what FGU does fully and as a DM (and the same has held true with FGC) you have to subscribe or buy an Ultimate license so you can run a game. Sure, you can find a DM that has Ultimate, but playing a game is not the same as DMing one. If this is incorrect, can someone point me to an actual OPEN BETA that would let me FULLY determine whether FGU is for me? I need to test it with a few players in a real game to know so even a time limited open beta would be welcome but I don't seem to see one.
This is not the definition of an OPEN beta in my mind and this is exactly the reason why I have never felt comfortable paying for FGC. Why as a company do you keep getting in your own way? I am not interested in buying a product unseen and tested. I need to know that this fits my group and play style before laying out the significant amount of money required to buy the additional 5e source material which I already own elsewhere btw. It's not a cost thing. It's a "does this fit and not waste my money" thing and for that I need an actual test drive with players.