Different people have different objectives and priorities. I perceive seven levels:
0. Developer: Of course the pre-release stuff is installed!
1. Bleeding Edge: Install as soon as it is released or pre-released, regardless of potential flaws (beta testers).
2. On the Curve: Install once there is no immediate sign of problems from beta tester chatter.
3. Watchful: Monitor, and install when and if features affect personal use.
4. Managed Neglect: When a problem occurs, check the release notes for a solution.
5. Head in the Sand: When a problem occurs, post on the forum instead of checking release notes.
6. Conformophobe: Regards it as beneath them to use the hummy.tv forum for anything, despite wanting the benefits of the HD-FOX / HDR-FOX custom firmware.