Slow clap

It is, actually, a win for the FSF. It makes those systems a bit more of a PITA to use, at least for anyone expecting a modern set of GNU tools (e.g., trying to follow the online manual and discovering these old versions don't support new features). If they want to use them they have to find them and install them. And if they ask why their systems come with outdated/buggy versions of free software, they can be educated as to the reasons. They might learn about free software, what it means, what it guarantees (and what it doesn't). They may learn how to build their own copies of free software, and possibly be motivated to get involved at some level.

I can attest to the above, personally, having had this discussion with many people over the years.

Just to remind, increasing the raw numbers of people using GNU software is NOT the primary goal of the FSF.