Newer JDK usually means new features that makes programmers life easier -> less maintenance in the long run. This is not construction work, this is programming,

Newer JDK usually means new features that makes programmers life easier -> less maintenance in the long run. This is not construction work, this is programming, new means better. If one doesn't have automated regression testing then that is a red light. You can do beta testing, with EA, not with GA.