Here is more of an explanation regarding the process: the PBI build server notices when a PBI’s underlying port is updated and automatically rebuilds the PBI to the new version. If that PBI is installed on your system, Software Manager will tell you that a newer version is available. Since 7.x PBIs are no longer on the build server, this automatic upgrade and notification won’t happen. While that may sound terrible, it should be noted that the underlying FreeBSD 7.1 OS is marked for EOL on February 28. So, if users are happy with their 7.x system as it is, they can continue to use it and install 7.x PBIs. However, if users want to keep their system and applications up-to-date, they should upgrade.

It’s an honor for me writing in your (our) PC-BSD blog.

Only to say that I don’t agree with this. I mean: one thing made me decide to use PC-BSD is old versions’ support: you install a version at home, you don’t have an Internet connection, after a while you need a PBI, go to an Internet Point download it and install! with no dependencies… you live in relax!
but, if you are forced to upgrade… :/

Is it possible to create a system to automatically port PBIs to older PC-BSD versions?

Thanks