LOVE’s first expansion released kinda

The "alpha" release of LOVE's first expansion AVAIL was released today according to the LOVE fansite Gaming Love. Site administrator Iamacyborg wrote this about it:

Matter Mixing:
Players can now mine materials, and create automated mining platforms to gather materials. These materials can then be combined using the new matter melder's to create new effects, like fire, smoke or ice.

Effects:
The created matter effects can then be used in various ways. Tokens can be upgraded with effects, and the effects themselves can be used as grenades, either player based, or defence based, using the new enhanced radar as a trigger.

Along with a whole host of new, and enhanced features.

So what is the deal with calling AVAIL an "alpha?" I thought software at the alpha level wasn't ready for paying customers yet? Then again, is it any different than projects which are continually in "beta?" Ambiguous terminology aside, the changes sound interesting. Maybe I'll have to hunt down someone for their friend-account info ... MWUHAHAHA!