Geocouch, views, indexes and their usage in versions 1.8 and 2.0

I've also asked this question on 1.8 forums, sorry if this constitutes spamming, but it falls in this category also. So, I'm having a little trouble understanding the 1.8 version of CB. Version 2.0 looks perfect for what I need, but I'm hesitant to use it in a production environment until a stable release comes. As I understand it, version 1.8 comes with geocouch included, but I don't understand how to use it, or any of the indexes for that matter, or even if it's possible to use it.

So my options are:
1) use couchdb and try to migrate to couchbase when 2.0 stable version comes out
2) use couchbase 2.0 if it's stable enough (we are yet another geolocation-oriented startup :) with limited funds and try not to take to much risks)
3) figure out how to use 1.8 if it's possible and upgrade when the time comes (I like this option best)

From what I've gathered from the documentation that shouldn't be possible in 1.8, but it would be awesome if it is. So did I get everything right and what do you think which option should I choose?