> > Also, I don't like burning the last two digits that way.
> 
> We've never used those last two digits - is it likely that we ever will?

I'd burn one of them, but not both.

so, I'd propose:

	MMmmrrppR0

with the following values for R:

	R=0	pre-alpha/development
	 =1	alpha
	 =2	beta
	 ...
	 =6	released

with 3,4,5 reserved for pre-release states, and 7,8,9 reserved for
post-release states.

					- Bill