node.js doesn't have v1.0 release yet, but I still use it...
I think we're reaching a more acceptable point in technologies where our proper test coverage ensures that using an unblessed release in production is acceptable.
That analogy is a bit flawed, both NodeJs and PHP advertise their stable production ready versions on the homepage. Node doesn't advertise v0.11+ anywhere that could be misconstrued as production ready, neither does PHP advertise NG as such. While you may be ready to take such risks, I can assure you most companies are not.
I think we're reaching a more acceptable point in technologies where our proper test coverage ensures that using an unblessed release in production is acceptable.