Ummm, where are indications that this has happened? In fact, it seems they "used" all the beach clips, at least three of them.
We have "Get on your boots", which is beach clip no. 3, we have "Breathe", which is beach clip no. 2 and can be heard in the latest u2.com clip, we have beach clip no. 4 which could be called "Only love" and was played in a previous u2.com clip, and we POSSIBLY have beach clip no. 1, becauses some people suggested, based on Edge's latest comments, that this might be the Fez-influenced first track, the one Edge referred to as "Unknown Caller".
So I think there is STRONG influence that the beach clips will indeed result in songs on the finalized album.
And I also don't think people should get wound up about Iovine's comments, because he is clearly referring to the state of the album some weeks or even months ago. Are people still hoping we will hear new U2 in 2008? I think it's time to realize that early 2009 will be the time for the new album release. No need to rant about the delay, it's a fact right now.
And I would take the Wall Street article with a grain of salt, it's mere speculation and a lot of interpretation, obviously based on J. Iovine's comments. In fact, it's the first time someone mentioned a "creative limbo". All the other comments have strongly suggested that creativity is great and the album is amazing.