Thank you for the update on the beta release of 8.10 Barnaby, this is exactly
what I was hoping to hear from some beta release testers.

I'll wait till the end of the month and then download/install 8.10.xx and start
from there.

If past experience is any indicator, expect long delays. To get around this
download the final beta, just after it is frozen. Then all you will have to do
is an update. This way you can avoid slow downloads as the servers are
overloaded. Or else wait a week if you are in no hurry.

When is the final beta due out?

I'm not in any particular hurry, just an enthusiast here
having fun with computer stuff.

I'll give it a week or so to calm down and then I'll download my copy.

Just curious: do you know if 8.04 will be "auto upgradable" to 8.10
as 7.10 was to 8.04 earlier this year?

That [7.10 to 8.04] upgrade was impressive and worked without a fault.

The release date is October 31st. The lock on updates to the repositories is
usually about a week before. As we approach the release date official
announcements will be made. I will pass them on as I see them.