Not that I disagree with the larger point here, but it's fully possible that a system which can't (yet) handle rain and snow could still deliver a ton of value—

Not that I disagree with the larger point here, but it's fully possible that a system which can't (yet) handle rain and snow could still deliver a ton of value— for example, in Arizona, where neither of those things happen all that much. A partial launch also gives you a bunch of opportunity to iron out other details, like establishing the protocols which allow a rider to call for assistance, or a remote safety driver to take over in a construction zone, weird driveway pull-in, whatever.