halo 3 beta

Wow. I am really really let down by microsoft and bungie. I am a huge HALO fan and i even pre-ordered my halo 3. but there is a problem. The beta is coming out and i have been stoked because i would finnaly get to play a demo, but unless i go out and spend $60 on CRACKDOWN, then i will be waiting till november. WHY???? Why must they do this. I wouldnt mind spending some microsoft points to buy the demo, but having to buy a not that good game just to play a demo is dumb. GIVE ME YOUR FEEDBACK AND OPINIONS!!!