Guild Wars 2

For anyone who bought the game prior to Jan 23, 2015 and will be pre-purchasing HoT, you’ll get an extra character slot.

My question is:
Will you be unable to receive this extra character slot if you purchase it after it releases? And why should it matter when you buy it if this is for “loyal player” as Anet claims?

Pre-order bonus

Because they want you to buy it now, not later.