It's true that benefits for customers would likely be only temporary. But that is not my main point. I'm explaining a common business move called pay to play,

It's true that benefits for customers would likely be only temporary. But that is not my main point. I'm explaining a common business move called pay to play, in industries that require very high investments for new competitors. If customers want B to compete, they have to pay B first to ensure B does not make a loss, so everyone wins a little in the end. So in the case of OP. He needs to finds paying customers first, who are willing to pre-order his service.