Have Enterprise via SRPM for free?

["scott.list" <scott list mlec net>]

I subscribed to the enterprise maillist for curiosity.  When they
announce security updates, instead of sending pointers to the RPM's,
the send pointers to the SRPM's.  And it says the actual RPM is avail
on RHN.

Along those lines, to have a self-supported "enterprise" version,
Could one:
- Start with a compatible version (i.e RH9 if compatabile) to get
booted/going.
- Update/change to the enterprise kernel (or make your own custome
which I've always done anyway)
- use the SRPM's desired to build what you need
- follow the announcements of enterprise SRPMS and update using SRPM's

What would be the difference except support from having a "real"
enterprise version?  That is, wouldn't this "quasi" enterprise version
be just like the real thing except for having to make the SRPMS? and
this "quasi enterprise" version be as current/secure as the "real"
version?

Perhaps it's the quartely non-security updates that aren't avail?

With the point of all this of having a basic server that is more
"stable" or at least longer lasting than the expected life of the now
regular/ever-EOLing RHX versions (sorry... for free).

FWiW, I've always purchased my versions of RH with the books, CD's
etc.  Fortunately they used to last a good long time (still running
6.2 although I own 7 too).  But $350/year is hard to cough up <g>.

Finally, and I admit I'm RH spoiled, I've never had the need to make
an RPM from SRPM.  How difficult is it?  Any caveats?  Build'em and
Use'em like normal?  Or more painfull than $350+/year.

Cheers,
Scott