I would expect that there have been brand new 990s manufactured since June 2006, which is when the latest firmware was released. Those devices should surely receive the latest firmware.

Perhaps I'm wrong.

Nonetheless, I'm not sure about them not wanting to do it for the reason of having broken the absolute original tape. I'll accept a device with the latest known firmware, and I would definitely not consider it a B stock if they had to open the box to download it.