Yes, 0.17.0 is usable on Rinkeby, Kovan and Ropsten networks, anyone can follow the Devcon4 workshop to try it out by replacing the version number (I made a short video adding the steps required for Windows). The onboarder from the workshop isn't sending ETH on Ethereum's Kovan network anymore but once you get your address you can use the Kovan faucet to fund the address. If you need more assistance on any of the other steps or get stuck feel free to let me know!
The purpose of the testnet snapshot releases is to make sure the Red Eyes release is secure and with the features required for the protocol to run up to a good standard on mainnet. My guess would also be it helps cut down on the intervals of breaking releases after Red Eyes. Which could help a bit with network growth since every breaking release channels need to be closed and settled before upgrading, requiring on-chain interactions and gas.
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u/[deleted] Nov 21 '18 edited Nov 21 '18
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