"Early access usually rolls into launch". Usually perhaps, but not in this case.
VR has repeatedly emphasized that this EA is not a prelude to Release. The Game is far from done. EA is to get more people involved and to raise funds for increased development. As mentioned above, there will definitely be wipes.
To my knowledge, VR has said that VIPs and Champions will get a "headstart" a few days before EA launches. Official Launch of the Game is years away, and the only perks I've ever heard about for that are the ones listed in Pledge Rewards. Those are "Early Name Reservation" and "Early character creation prior to launch".