The term release candidate seems to have received a new meaning.

A release candidate is not an alpha or beta. It should contain the full functionality, be thought to be (almost) bug free and be subject to a code freeze where any found bugs are only fixed after decision on project meeting.

I have a hard time seeing a release without PIN-code support as a release candidate unless PIN-code is seen as a bonus feature.

On the other hand - the N900 has been living with prereleases from day one.