@Algot @ryanleesipes I would proceed with great caution. As Ryan says, definitely clone your profile, and I would make sure you have your actual emails backed up. I've definitely made the mistake of updating to a nightly build of Firefox only to find it "impossible" to go back.
I run a stable system, as well. Personally I wouldn't risk it.
If anything, maybe create a temporary user and try Beta there with a clean environment. Set Thunderbird Beta to NOT delete mail from server.