When people use 'beta' as a scrutiny shield, I fully agree with you that it deserves a storm of invectives. My take is that some projects truly deserve a 'beta' label, suggesting there will be meaningful updates to it. Our common distaste for the word will devalue those worthy projects.
Yes, projects are truly never finished. But in news you can't spend all that much time refining a package after an event has passed and editors have their sights on other things (excluding truly evergreen items.)
Being a cynic, I'd normally focus on anything labeled 'beta' and disassemble it with a jeer. But, my restraint is there so that I don't miss out on examining things that aren't labeled beta and thus slip under that beta-hating radar.
For example, check out the Guardian's 'favorite foods' map. Make sure to mouseover Mexico and India:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/interactive/2011/jun/...