btw... I do agree that Debian lacks behind when it comes to packages / releases. That's why I compile important stuff from sources, like Emacs. I admit it's a bit crazy: I think Debian still ships Emacs 23 (or maybe even 22!?) even though we're already at Emacs 24.3 and Emacs is not exactly a software which comes up frequently with new major releases.
The reason I use Debian is that it's
rock-stable solid. My desktop regularly reaches 6 months of uptime (typically it's restarted when there's a black-out or when I move my desk, neither of which happens often). It's a desktop with a core i5 - 3450s (very low max TDP), 80+ gold alim, no GPU (only the integrated one), SSD, etc. so the electricity consumption is really not an issue (and it's ultra-quiet) and I can leave it on all the time.
I've had a dedicated server with Debian on it which reached 4 years of uptime (no critical security hole affecting its setup during these four years, so no need to restart it!). It got restarted the day the motherboard eventually died and got changed by the company I was renting the server from. That's why I'm "sold" on Debian.
Sure, they may lack a bit (or a lot) behind on software releases but they've chosen to create an insanely stable distro and they totally delivered on that front.
Easily six months of uptime for a
desktop. 'nuff said