As far as my opinion goes.. Buy a phone for what it is and not what it will be. I understand that getting updates and getting a new phone that may get updated is nice, but in reality we don't know where technology will be in a year.. It moves too fast. I hope my phone will get 5.0 but to be honest giving it too much thought is ridiculous because your supposed to buy a phone for what it is.
There's been talk in the past about how people keep wanting the updates so fast, and then when it gets pushed people complain that it isn't what they thought. This time last last year I was happy to see ICS 4.0 on my RAZR maxx, in 12 months or less it has become outdated for the most part.. And I remember people complaining they didn't have jellybean yet when the percentage of phones with ICS was actually pretty low.
As far as not being able to afford a new phone every six months or a year I understand, which makes it more important to buy a phone you like knowing you will probably have it a while.
If you think about the idea of a two year contract, then pretty much figure that when you buy a phone your going to have it two years, so also figure you will get every other android release.. The only reason I have 4.2.2 now is because I spent extra money to get new phones, and I'm on the third one I in 12 months.
I'm happy with mine but in reality I see it for what it is, and I figure by next year if I get a new one I I'll get a new version of android.
Maybe my thinking is off, but while its nice to get the updates, remember the phone companies make money when we have to have the newest and greatest, that's marketing for you.. As long as I get update fixes to what little things need adjusted than I'm good.
You have to remember that when a new version of android comes out it has to be compatible with a lot of varieties of phones.. Something apple doesn't have to deal with. Between on screen buttons and captive buttons, cores and what nots.. It takes time to roll out a good version to the masses.. And we don't want them too early... And THEY want to keep us wanting more.
Just my two cents..
Using my Moto Droid Maxx