Which releases are production stable? (Score 5, Interesting)

I must say that I am getting a little bit leary about using the 2.4.x series in production. The fast releases don't inspire confidence. On one hand people (perhaps rightfully so) say don't use a kernel that is newer than 6 mo. old or you are a beta tester. But of course those older kernels were once bleeding new as well...how to know which to use and which to avoid? That 6 mo. old one might be the right age and yet perfectly horrible. Perhaps what is needed is a kernel stability/security chart that shows how well different kernel versions have "aged". Anyone know of such a beast?