A pilot study (beta)

When I see researchers use the terms “pilot study” in the titles of published works I have the same reaction as I do when I see websites with the “beta” label.  The aim of both seems to be to deflect criticism.  For example: “of course my sample size was small, it is a pilot study” is the academic equivalent of “I’m sorry that your files were deleted, the website is still in beta.”  To academics, I say that it does not matter if you intend to do more extensive work in the future.  If you’re publishing it, it is just a study.  To webmasters, I say that if you are allowing everybody in the world to use your website it isn’t in beta, it is just your website.