Ipod shuffle system requirements for itunes 5 are they real?

Question

The System requirements posted on Apple's website ( http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?family=iPodshuffle) for the Shuffle say it will work with iTunes 4.7.1 or later.
Mac System Requirements
- A Mac with USB port*
- Mac OS X v10.2.8 or Mac OS X 10.3.4 and later (Mac OS X 10.3.6 or later recommended for use with low-power USB ports)
- iTunes 4.7.1 or later (included)
The box on a new Shuffle says
Mac OS X v10.2.8 or Mac OS X 10.3.4 or later [snip]
- iTunes 5.0 or later (included)
I've been using my Shuffle with X.3.8, iTunes 4.7.1 and iTunes 4.9, and Quicktime 6.5.2 until its minijack went defective. I need a replacement shuffle and don't want to upgrade my OS, my itunes, or my QT.
Are these system requirements for real? If I use the iPod Shuffle 1.1 updater will the new Shuffle work with my OS/itunes?
I ask about the updater because once when my current shuffle's playcount stoped updating an Apple Genius suggesting updating the firmware from ipod updater 1 to 1.1 and ever since I can't restore it to version 1 (it gives failure to update errors). I worry that a new Shuffle won't be downgradeable.
If not what version of itunes 5 is best? I recall it was so buggy that it was bum rushed out the door.
Under no circumstances do I want itunes 6. I had 6.0.1. and 6.0.2 on a new hard disk a few months ago (and it required X.3.9 and QT 7) and it was awful! The sound volume dropped precipitously and the sound check didn't work.

Answer 1

Never mind. I returned the Shuffle for a refund. Apple lost a repeat sale by failing to practice the slightest bit of backwards compatibility!
I'm now in the market for an MP3 player that will work on Macs and that can also record audio. If anyone knows of any makes/models please let me know.