Perhaps from a legal standpoint Bitcoin should always be in beta ?
Even the release to follow version 0.9.9.9.9 will probably be 0.9.9.9.9.1 -
BTCeta
You know like we can just go to 8 decimal places or something...
If I remember correctly even Satoshi retracted a non-beta release on this forum, saying something to the effect of 'I've come to my senses'. I'm sure it was probably discussed with Gavin before handover.