Different versions serve different devices
If the program is just as the Register describes, then Google is missing what I as the technically inclined user desires, that being,
1) The latest point updates for security and performance. This is only addressing major point releases. I started using Android mods because they fixed security holes and I've helped some friends who cared do so too. I'd like to see manufactures required to provide security updates in a timely manner for 2 years after the last phone is sold as new.
2) The 2.3.x branch is great for low performance devices and there is a large body of software for 2.3.x I feel like I'd be better off running 2.3 than something more current on a low end phone. I know new versions of Android should use less resources, but there's a lot to be said for that existing body of software targeted at right around those specs.
So am I wrong on 2) here? Is the current version of Android so much superior that it would be superior on low end hardware?