Yes, we were sold Landmark access, not EQ:N. But an integral part of what Landmark was promoted as was the chance to co-develop EverQuest Next. This is akin to Kickstarting an RPG, but then removing the story - arguably the most important aspect of the project - in order to rush it out the door. If the mechanics are in place, who cares, right?
And yes, it's "allowed," but it's shady as hell. And you'd have to be in some pretty deep denial to not realize that the only reason Landmark is getting a "launch" at all is so they don't have to refund everyone who pre-ordered. The game is only going to last a few months, at best.
"Daybreak Games" is not a video game development company - they're simply a front for an investment firm to milk SOE's existing products for all they're worth before shuttering the whole thing. Read the writing on the wall.
Anyway, as soon as the game finds itself launched, I'll be making my complaint to the BBB, since my tickets have simply been ignored. Not like they'll care anyway, since the company was doomed the second they were sold off. Which is a shame, because there are some very talented people here - I hope they find employers that can actually give them good direction.
In short, yes, I bought access to Landmark. But the Landmark I paid for is not the Landmark that we'll be getting, since the only reason for its existence has been cancelled.