It seems that for the stable version feature, there is much support for having a stable version, but not as much for displaying it by default.
Suggestion: 1. Have stable versions, but not as default, like on my test page [1] 2. Once that runs for some time without problem, we turn on stable versions as default *for a week* and see what happens
If the number of (non-vandal) edits drops like the new market used to, we keep it like #1. However, if there is no significant reduction in edits, we turn on #2 for, say, a month, or three month. If there's no ill effect either, we keep it on.
Additionally, of course, the decision to try this would be optional for every wikipedia individually.
That solution should satisfy everyone concerned about the project, though it might not satisfy those who want a wiki, just a wiki, nothing else.
Magnus