Don't forget Steve, that this is also how we got Service Pack 4 for SQL Server 2005 (and you were the initiator):

http://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/522122/service-pack-4-for-sql-server-2005

I think it's important to retire a version with a final service pack that includes all of the important fixes. This is a win-win scenario as it gets everyone a fully tested build at the end of release, and it's a much more definitive line in the sand for SQL Server support.

But I also still want the CU model to continue, as it is a viable way for those of us who want (or need) fixes to get them immediately, without having to wait 12, 15, 18 months or more for the next full service pack.

Of course it is up to us to perform regression testing (I would say we should push that on Microsoft to make the CUs more battle-proven, but that would kill the 2-month cycle entirely).