Well, it might be confusing the fact that theoretically an alpha version of a software is tested internally in the \"company\", while the beta by a group of people not involved in the \"company\".
Planeshift team has probably decided to make the \"opening\" to the public earlier than a standard software application, but still keeping some features of an alpha version (pre-alpha sounds a bit odd in computer field, since it would mean that it is just the developers testing it against bugs... but, I guess it is matter of taste to respect the standard workflow).
Some races are not yet available, make yourself sure that what you have chosen is the right race.
About RolePlaying, well, I consider the most important feature the possibility to choose a not-physical description of your character, with his past and his attitude. As Moogie says, that can be changed in game, so you can also choose Path (the quick way) and then modify the \"important\" RP stuff later on.