If they aren't willing to detail any efficiencies gained from an update, it's as much PR as it is an update. Sony just posted it's first annual loss in 14 years... $1 billion, and are forecasting losses for next year as well.
NPD is also out today, some positive news won't come from that, so this update is all they've got. Their spin will be interesting, only 1 PS3 title in the top 20 (Godfather II in the teens, the 360 version is expected to be in the top 5)
I have no compaint about these updates that don't add new, exciting features. When I bought my PS3 18 months ago, I bought it "as is." Any enhancements since have just been icing on the cake. Just like the regular FW updates Panasonic sends out for my BD35, I'd rather "fixes" get sent out before I realize there is any problem.