May one use ~rc1 within versions although older lintians are complaining?

[Roman Müllenschläder <info@prodeia.de>]

Hi there ...

I'm packaging for debian right now and wanted to now if I may use a version 
number like: 1.0.8~rc1-1 ?

Reason is the following: I have this packages on my repository for making it 
available to users for testing puposes. I know that the initial release 
should be 1.0.8-1. So if I do updates on the package now, I can't increment 
the version (which is now 1.0.8-1).

So my wish would be to use 1.0.8~rc1-1/2/3... until initial release which will 
be 1.0.8-1 then.

My version of lintian is 1.23.22 and it gives error if I use this version 
number and I'm fearing these error prevent the package from beeing 
sponsored !?

Lg
Roman