They have changed their beta process. In the past betas were really just the next main release, let it sit out there for a while and if there were not a lot of complaints it was certified (might not actually be the process but it seemed that way)
Now, they actually do seed it to a small number of testers. I do not know what criteria they use, I have been aware of beta's I was not a part of and others I have been. I have skipped installing a live functioning copy of a few upgrades and perhaps beta's too if they did not make a change effecting anything I do. I will usually play with them on my home computer for anywhere from a day or two to an entire week depending on how much time I have and whether I think it is enough of a change to rush into live trials. I always have to be convinced it wont cause me major headaches before I go live.
Sure they are supposed to make sure it's not seriously flawed by the time it's beta, but I HAVE to be sure and comfortable before I spend probably at least an hour or two loading it in the office.
