As a developer I want a stable platform to work off.

Most MS customers don't necessarily understand what goes in to a service pack or update - especially those that outsource IT/small number of staff etc, but to me having a more rigorously tested app with a complete roll up of all issues to date X is a plus.

We generally don't go to the next product unless SP1 is out and tested. I went Vista on Feb 1 2007 and am still getting bitten by issues...so can't develop from that machine yet! Do I hear an XP service pack anyone?

2000 SP5? Yes - only 10% of our customers are on anything else. Why change your workhorse when it still gives you what you need?

2005 SP3? Thats a given surely!