They can always use my thread. It's resulted in at least two success stories
Several times the past few days I attempted to update LMDE with the sources list from the first post of this thread. Just doesn't work. I have to use apt-get autoclean, apt-get autremove, apt-get dist-upgrade a couple of times, apt-get -f install, and temporarily remove several MATE packages and reinstall. All from the command line. There is no way that method will survive or suffice using the Update Manager. Eventually I get everything installed but I'd guess many folks would give up.
But for example if you upgrade now, you end with systemd and not the init system that was chosen for Betsy.
After several update attempts I noticed the systemd influence. I concluded the original post method is no longer viable.
I don't know if they're even working on a way for people to easily upgrade.
That would not be nice.
I hope they are. I have no plan to reinstall
Same here. I have too many customized configuration changes to reinstall.
Not yet. The release of ISOs comes first.
I hope "Not yet" means that will be forthcoming in the testing cycle.
The original LMDE Update Pack testing method was to use the "incoming" branch. I hope that same method or something similar will be used. Some method is needed to allow the Update Manager to update the sources before starting the update process.