Windows 7: I know I can but should I?

I know I can but should I?

I am a professional web developer with rather minimal computing needs. I spend 75% of my time working within coding IDEs and web browsers. Occasionally I gallivant through various programs in the Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office. I'm not a gamer, although I like to play through a new game about once a year.

I am familiar with everything in the Control Panel, built my own computer, etc... so I have a good understanding of the windows platform, but I do have a certain mental handicap when it comes to in dept OS maintanence. I repeatedly run my OS into the ground by installing random stuff and doing nutty things with .dll files then joyfully reinstall XP every 18-24 months and relax into a nice fresh install. I have no IT department, so I'm on my own with all issues.

So, to avoid making the mistake of the scientists in Jurassic Park, I'm asking:

I know I can upgrade, but SHOULD I?

The file management features look ... ok. So do things like dragging windows to the side of the screen. But these are not nearly enough for me to risk the worst: an unusable computer and hours of config problem solving. Also, I've heard that 7, like Vista, is considerably slower than XP. I have a intel dual core 1.66 4gb 800mhz ram, so I can run it, but should I?

I want to stay up to date, but I don't see any reason compelling enough.

If you have any reasons I should or shouldn't upgrade, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks!
David