This is a strawman, so feel free to rip it apart. While I generally like the current Ubuntu release cycle, I find it has a few problems: <ul><li>Forcing LTS users to make do with software that is 2 or 3 major versions out-of-date is just wrong. I understand that the focus is on stable software rather than cutting-edge, but some of the stuff in 6.06 is just plain obsolete, forcing people to upgrade to a non-LTS to get programs that do what they need. </li><li>I find that the 6 months between major releases is just a touch too short for the developers to make significant changes and do a proper test cycle.</li><li>Their are no 'service pack cds' meaning that any bug which makes it into the final release stays there forever. This has led to what is basically a never-ending early adopters penalty. </li></ul>Here's my proposal. While it isn't perfect, I think it fixes the issues mentioned above. <ul><li>Every six months, coinciding with the current releases, put out a 'service pack' for the current LTS. This service pack will include: </li><ul><li>All normal updates previously released.</li><li>A selective upstream merge. Core, (and breakable) components such as X and the kernel remain unchanged, but normal apps (especially ones that are 'user-visible' such as Firefox) get updated. </li><li>A new cd image with all of the above changes.</li></ul><li>More features, less testing for non-LTS releases and vice-versa.</li><li>Add a note that the non-LTS are 'stable for everyday use except where 100% uptime is required' or something along those lines. </li></ul>While my suggestion does solve the problems I mentioned, I'm sure it introduces other that I haven't noticed. Just my two cents. Evan