and I don't fancy the extra hassle of the downgrading for database rebuilds.

I'm using V3 alpha 7 with JEmplode now for some time, and can assure the rebuild issue is not required (or at least not after it is upgraded and rebuild for the first time).
_________________________
Empeg M2A Blue # 010101908 80Gb
Empeg M2A Blue # 030102771 with backlight buttons - Need repair (IDE cable connection on main board) - volunteers?