OK, thanks for your explanation. I see what you mean, and as you point out, we’d be reaching version 8 with the next release, after 10 years of the system. On that basis, and if what were considered major releases (for instance, introducing a new feature) will henceforth be considered minor releases, I’m happy to move to the three-tier system you propose.
diaspora* Version 1.0.0. How exciting!