I only do a blind update when it has been 30ish releases, or more, since the last time. I very seldom update during the middle of a run. I’m also a big fan of reading the change logs. For instance, I’m currently looking at compiling my own 7958 becaus seomething between 7944 and current is making my game really unhappy when it comes to crafting.
Of course, I’ve never compiled my own, so there’s another guide I need to read and follow and I’m not sure if it is worth the trouble.