This would allow you to upload your application(s) to the cloud but not be publicly available. Access would be enable via sign or perhaps an external ip range.
Load tests could be run against the applications using vs2010 test tools or other and a billing report could be produced based on a specific test window or just over a period of time.
This would allow developers to load and stress test applications, get a realistic picture of potential billing based on load but at no cost until go-live.
This is the only way I can see that I will be ale to justify the investment before I commit to Azure. I love what is on offer but we are only just recovering from the GFC and don't have money to burn. After all, I wouldn't by a Porsche without a test drive :-)