I have always been pretty brave and loaded betas as soon as they came out (usually on the weekend) and just took the plunge. I did play with version 5 on a laptop for a little bit just to try it, but I took the plunge very early.
I think if you use Windows you essentially use beta software - you just don't have to download all the updates - windows is constantly downloading updates and fixes.....Jon just can't make it happen in the background.
That being said I would not recommend all users jump on the bandwagon too quickly as new releases can be problematic. On the other hand I see this like my pharmacology professor said - "Don't be the first person to use a new drug or the last to use an old drug".....
