So, while 37signals doesn't break it out as clearly as you did, they do in fact recommend the same closed testing that you're recommending. For instance, in their book "Getting Real", they talk about how they do closed beta testing of individual features inside of their applications to selected groups of users, just like Google Mail does. They also publicly did closed beta testing of Highrise, their most recent application. I'd be surprised to hear that they didn't quietly test Basecamp before it shipped.

On the other point, I think I felt like in a discussion of whether we should be doing things this-way-or-that just because somebody said so, your resume was fair game. I think differently of that now. I'm sorry I offended you.