I really dislike advertisements that want you to "request access." I've submitted them on occasion before, but have never heard back. And the information they want to collect is invasive. I suspect they're all vapourware harvesting information about the gullible.
[Wing team member here] I promise you this is a real project with a very large code-base already.
You are welcome to request access, and I promise to let you in very quickly so you can see.
The reason it is not yet completely open is that we want a way to engage more with our first community members and get some data about their needs.
Vapourware harvesting exists, but tends to have less substantial content. This looks like a startup that doesn't feel ready to open their wares.
Still, you're not alone in disliking this kind of post. "Request access" is a bad basis for a solid HN thread*, because users expect to be able to actually try out the product, and need more information about what it is and how it works in order for the comments to be substantive.
When this product reaches that state, then would be a good time to discuss it on HN.
* When YC startups want to launch on HN, I tell them they need to be past this stage.
This is a common tactic for startups to measure interest and collect leads pre-launch. They probably aren't contacting you because the product isn't ready yet and/or you aren't a "qualified" lead (someone they think is worth spending the time to sell to)
