The reason for -any- "launch date" in retail for stuff like movies, music, video games etc, is pretty simple. Most of the sales happen in the first few weeks after release. And the first week of sale is the spot where they get "noticed" in music. Especially stuff that's not mainstream. DT is usually in and out of the local list in two weeks. But that one week they were in, they'll hit like in the top 10. And that's how the record company "know" that they've done their job.
And to say that it "supports piracy"? What? I know several movies that have leaked in unfinished versions. I know several albums that have leaked in unfinished versions. Is this okay? Should the band just give in and release their material when it's leaked because "piracy always wins"? This is a horrible mindset, and so illustrative of the blatant disrespect people have towards intellectual property.