Windows contains code like "If SimCity is running, allow it to use memory after it's been freed"[1]
So yes, if you had a significantly deployed app that segfaults because the version number >= 4.14, Linux probably would seriously consider workarounds for your app.
Also, Microsoft skipped releasing Windows 9 because so much code out there think anything labeled "Windows 9..." is of the Windows 95/98 lineage.
Damn it, you can still install Windows 10 in 32-bit form on a modern x86 CPU and expect win16 binaries to work.
The only reason there is a problem with the 64-bit form is that AMD made the 64-bit mode and the 16-bit mode mutually exclusive. You can jump from 64-bit to 32-bit mode, or from 32 to 16, but not from 64 to 16.
Damn it, you can still install Windows 10 in 32-bit form on a modern x86 CPU and expect win16 binaries to work.
The only reason there is a problem with the 64-bit form is that AMD made the 64-bit mode and the 16-bit mode mutually exclusive. You can jump from 64-bit to 32-bit mode, or from 32 to 16, but not from 64 to 16.