I think it also has to do with the expectations users have these days. People use well polished apps all day long, so to push out a first iteration of a new app

I think it also has to do with the expectations users have these days. People use well polished apps all day long, so to push out a first iteration of a new app, for users (even early adaptors) to take the app "serious" it needs to have a certain level polish. Adding polish to an app is what takes most time.