A) It depends really on what game it is. If I knew absolutely nothing about RTW at all and had to evaluate it, I would expect it to have a general imcompleteness, but still be playable enough to where there are no more major changes coming, just tweaking and filling in the spots. By about version 7 or so of a open beta, I would expect it the major stuff to be done, with maybe a few exceptions as new limitations prompt.

B) I would expect .9, maybe a high version of .8

C) A beta. A full release to me implies all loose ends are tied up and there will be no missing features or even possible CTD's. It may not have all the features planned for the final version, but it is certainly playable to a full extent without noticing any lack in any sector. Instead of many factions have ethnicities, they all have them, or they all don't.

D) Why would they change the numbering system dramatically if they've used it this far? I could understand appending a few more numbers like .8045, but to switch to calling it EB .entirely new number seem odd, indicating to me that either there was a major shift in those running the mod, or else they have reached 1.0 and will now begin working on improving a already great mod.

E)
Actual popularity: Maybe. People probably want to play with a full release, no matter how limited in scope at that time period. No half features, all or nothing. Similar to what RTR does.

Willing to try the mod: I've seen it personally stated that people won't try it till 1.0 because they either want the full thing in all it's glory, or they just don't want to play with the knowledge that at some time it will CTD and cause them to lose their great campaign they were playing. Who would want to play with full units who's unit cards are peasants, and even in game representations are peasants.

Peope willing to assist: I don't believe the beta tag has hurt people willing to help out. I believe the scope and requirements of a RTW modder plus the tools and time is what limits people helping out.

Publicity in general: To some extent I would say yes, again because people want a finished product usually. If they know its a beta, it's still a work in progress, so we might feature it's plans, but a complete mod will get more attention because it IS complete. We can judge it in it's entirity, there's more points to go over.

Personal comments: I LOVE the fact that EB involves its players far more than most mods. To get to watch EB develop and learn about it as it comes along is to me far better than, and I don't mean to pick specifically, it's just the main other mod I've played, RTR's system of a full release every time all done behind closed doors. I understand why they do it, but it doesn't make it any less unappealing. This is not a corporation, its a fan mod. Keeping competitive with new ideas and feature's is good, but that's no reason to seal off your ideas.

I hope this helps, even if it is a bit more rambling on than probably what your looking for. Maybe a poll?