Ah, never mind then. This is notable because neither Windows 98 SE or Windows 8.1 really are updates or service packs (it's not like the usual "KBxyz restores the start button in Windows 8" and it won't appear in Windows Update), that's why they have distinct names and packaging to set them apart from the other Windows versions. The MS press release / blog post (and related press coverage), however, made it look like the free upgrade was a first. I stand corrected, but I don't loathe Windows any less because of it.