Do NOT take the option to remove settings (or however it is worded), that removes the profile with bookmarks and passwords etc of all installed versions of Firefox.

If you go to the ordinary install/download page it will offer you a copy of Firefox 6 http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/fx/?from=getfirefox

Just download and run the installer, it will leave your bookmarks etc where they are, and should install the existing addons. (You may need to re-enable some, but it will probably try to do that itself) It should change the preference so that you are on the Release channel rather than the Beta channel.
The easiest way to check is Help -> About Firefox that should no longer say that you are on the Beta channel

thanks... that worked great.

My Help dropdown menu doesnt have an About link, as you mentioned

Found my current status under: Firefox ->About Firefox

No link to changing it though

Glad the problem was solved.

I am using Windows XP with no Firefox button at the moment, and was forgetting you were on a Mac, the UI differs slightly.

The preference changed can be seen within your preferences, but the simplest method is to look at the about Firefox . Briefly there was actually an option within about Firefox allowing switching of channels by clicking on an option, but they withdrew that because it was causing problems that outweighed the potential benefits.

I remember the switching of channels and kept trying to find a screen or a pop-up to that I remembered seeing in the past.

Thanks again