When google does first-come first served (Google I/O last year) they get dinged. When they do randomized (Nexus4 initial sale and this year's I/O) they get dinged.
Fact is, they can't satisfy everyone. The algorithm used to differentiate the few from the many will obviously upset some groups.
Would you rather they charge for it? That'd be the Microsoft thing to do [1].
The problem with Google I/O is that it was not actually first come first served, but random. As in: the registration site gets pound so hard that you need to be lucky to be able to load the page and proceed with your registration.
Also, for Google I/O it would have served to have people apply, and review applications to pick real developers and not dumbass unable to read a line of code but hoping for a cool gadget to flip on ebay.
Anyway, as much as I want to try the new map right away I would do the invite system like them: you get to ramp up your userbase progressively, and people trying it actually want to try it (not grandma opening Maps and being completely confused by the new UI and possible bugs).
Fact is, they can't satisfy everyone. The algorithm used to differentiate the few from the many will obviously upset some groups.
Would you rather they charge for it? That'd be the Microsoft thing to do [1].
[1] http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1011983/microsoft-t...