Nah, you can also downgrade if your console isn't newer than a PS3 Slim with Datecode 1B (some 1B might still be hackable though), but it's definitely difficult or expensive for a newcomer.
No, I am not referring to the advance users or downgrade issues. It is so out of question.. For a newcomer is what I am target at to help them out for 3.55 or 3.41 so it will be much easier for them.