> I don't understand why the models being a year or two old now is worth noting as though it's a clear weakness?

I do think it's a clear weakness. Capabilities are extremely different than they were twelve months ago.

> What should they do, publish sub-standard results more quickly?

Ideally, publish quality results more quickly.

I'm quite open to competing viewpoints here, but it's my impression that academic publishing cycle isn't really contributing to the AI discussion in a substantive way. The landscape is just moving too quickly.