Agreed on the support contract thing. If something is apparently "unsupported" when it's broken, just run the "supported" version on a test system, reproduce the problem, and go from there. If you know the problem is to do with the newer features, forget the paid support and ask here like you just did.
If the support is worth anything, of course, then I'm sure they'll be delighted to build later packages for you that include the patch. :-)
RedHat does follow this list, so perhaps it is worth contacting them to point out that this patch would really be appreciated, even if it ends up in an EPEL package (which should still be acceptable). That said, I commiserate with the original poster that yes, when the policy is that you're only allowed to use vendor packages, you're limited in what you can and cannot do. Regards Stefan -- This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential, copyright and or privileged material, and are for the use of the intended addressee only. If you are not the intended addressee or an authorised recipient of the addressee please notify us of receipt by returning the e-mail and do not use, copy, retain, distribute or disclose the information in or attached to the e-mail. Any opinions expressed within this e-mail are those of the individual and not necessarily of Diamond Light Source Ltd. Diamond Light Source Ltd. cannot guarantee that this e-mail or any attachments are free from viruses and we cannot accept liability for any damage which you may sustain as a result of software viruses which may be transmitted in or with the message. Diamond Light Source Limited (company no. 4375679). Registered in England and Wales with its registered office at Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0DE, United Kingdom