I have an answer from Marc...
"The Traveller5 Beta has been in process for a long time and it has drawn to an end with the launch of the T5 Kickstarter campaign. Although many of these Beta participants continue to be active in the last stages of T5 production, new Beta participations are no longer available, in part because we are not able to adequately manage bringing new eyes up to speed during this transition period."
In fact, it is not an issue of having to pay another $50 to join the forum; Marc ended sales of the CD when the Kickstarter started, so the beta CD is no longer available for new buyers.
Thanks for the response! I completely understand the desire to focus on putting out the product.
I guess my request comes more from the Writing Style guidelines and the fact that it is "behind the curtain" instead of available to all. Perhaps when it gets past the "Draft" stage it will be on this side of the curtain?
Thanks again!