RHEL/CentOS/SL are good for "install-and-forget" operation; they are not good
for "stay-current-and-reasonably-stable" operation mainly due to too old
kernel, but also for some users due to too old apps.

I think you have this bass-ackwards. Install and forget would seem to include reasonably stable, as bug fixes will be created for the version for some time.

"stay-current" will be difficult in any case, as no distribution that I know of keeps all the apps current, they generally use the more-or-less current versions at time of release and patch them, rather than upgrading. If that's what you want, you will probably need to build and install your own packages. Constant upgrading seems to be the norm for those who want the latest and greatest.

Hugh

--
Hugh Caley
Linux System Administrator
Aldon Business Area
Rocket Software
6001 Shellmound St. Ste. 600 · Emeryville, CA 94608 · USA
Tel:+1.510.285.8542
Email:hcaley@aldon.com
Web:aldon.com