I think, all this posting of what Ubi SHOULD have or have not done, is rather missing the point. The question is, what Ubi COULD have done. There is obviously only one other option here than the option they actually choose: waiting with the release until, well, let's say August 31st. This is assuming, that it would have been possible at all, sonsidering the game is creating a revenue since End of May, 10 weeks, revenue that wouldn't have been there, but still Nival working and have to be paid.
Anyway, there obviously wasn't the option to release the editor with the game on May 21st.
Believe me, when I say, the editor existing at that point - the editor that made all the maps - , while a very powerful tool, would not have been satisfactory for a broader public. It is by no means lazyness or inability that makes finishing the existing maps not that easy a process. I think, this analogy describes things well: Imagine the editor would be something like an electronic gadget, for example a DVD recorder. What you expect, when you buy it, is a sleek case with some buttons and dials that come with a manual. What you definitely wouldn't want is an OPEN case with naked wires you have to have to manually pull out of their plugs and replug manually for every action - with the electricity switched on and without a manual.
I've read one of the current editor testers writing, the test of the current editor version has convinced him of the power of the editor, but at the same time a bit disappointed of the map makers. What he wanted to say, is that the current maps that are in the game, are by no means making use of everything the ditor is capable of - which again doesn't comes as a surprise considering the tool the initial map makers had to work with.
Anyway, there will be a decent editor manual. In fact, the manual is not the typical menu explanation type of manual. Instead you will be led through the process of actually making a map with examples, screenshots and so on which will be a great help for everyone in the mood to try their hands on making a map.
But back to the initial question. Let's take another analogy, since cars are so popular. Let's say, a car had no resale value whatsoever or if it had, the resale value was NOT dependant on age or mileage. And your car dealer is giving you a phone call and says, "Man, we got your car, right here on the yard. Problem, though. The gas tank is full, but there is currently no way to refuel. Once it's empty you can roll only through your home town. You can pick up the car now and drive it, and we'll come to you in a couple month and install the refueler. By the way, there are some other minor glitches we'll repair on the way. You may have trouble transporting other people sometimes because the seats may not unfold correctly, for example. Of course, we are sorry to say that you'll have to pay the full price if you come and get it now."
The way I see this I would immediately storm to the dealer and buy if
a) I'd want that car no matter what and buying it now would mean being able to drive it now
b) I'd trust my dealer and the car manufacturer to do as promised - which might depend on my experience with the dealer (Ubi) and the manufacturer (Nival) previously.
c) I don't mind working with incomplete things for a time being
I would certainly wait with the buy, if I could not say yes to all of the above points.