I agree with this. A hard launch date helps to give you focus, and decide what can realistically be achieved by that date. It doesn't mean that your other feat

I agree with this. A hard launch date helps to give you focus, and decide what can realistically be achieved by that date. It doesn't mean that your other features are discarded, it just means that you can get to where you need to be at the right time. One other thing it does too is give you an opportunity to stand back after the deadline has passed and look at the project with fresh eyes. For example, at the outset you aim at getting the ting up and running. Then once you are there, switch hats and become a user. Is the thing doing what you need? Are there bit's you don't actually like? Why don't you like them? Would one of your missing features solve the problem? Or, do you just drop that irritating feature? I think this can only happen if you set the date, execute, and then step back.