I have questions regarding version updates

I have two computers and they are both still running version 1803. Why have I never received the 1809 update and should I download and install it manually before the new version is rolled out?

What's this I hear about this new version having a glitch that could really mess up my computers and my externals -- everything -- but that Microsoft is aware and is going to release it anyway? The issue about different drive letters being assigned if you have any type of USB device or memory card attached to your computer is not minor as Microsoft would have us believe. From what I've read about this it could be a major catastrophe.

Making backup images is highly recommended in Ten Forums.

If you have a backup image you can run trial periods and then restore the image.

Upgrading to the next build is not necessary.
For example, if you install Windows 1607 you can upgrade to1703, 1803, or 1809 and never had had to up grade to 1709.

This is a link on using Macrium to restore an image:
Macrium Software | Your Image is Everything
Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect | Tutorials

I thank you for your answer and also for the links you gave me.

However, from what I've read, a backup may not be the answer for this problem because it may change the drive letter even of your C drive on the computer and if that happens things that try to access the C drive will not work because the C drive has been changed to something else.