i changed my tranny fluid last may and put on about 15k since. i admit i don't check the fluid as often as i should. i checked it and it looks almost brown but not burnt. From now on i'm going to change 4 qts with every oil change. 4 qts is what comes out from the plug.
i have a hayes manual and they recommend drain,fill,drain, and fill again. i think changing 4 qts every oil change is better. it's easy to get to the plug and you only need a 3/8 ratchet with no socket.