Much as I wish this were true, I don't really see this as a likely move by Apple. But the real question is, if it was true, why would anybody involved in the test program bother to send an email to macosx.com about it? Also, when was the last time Apple conducted a "test program" even remotely like this one claims to be? All of their R&D seems to be kept very much in-house.
The alternative theory, that its just a dreamed up bit of baloney posted for the heck of it, is much more easily believed. So, any reply in regards to this email yet? And did the author include any hint of how the authenticity of the email might be verified?
That said though, if it is true, I'll be looking forward to seeing it.