In reply to Otto.

User and blog count are included in the check because there is potentially a future case where the updates may need to be targeted.

@Otto: w.org runs regular updates 3 times a year. Opportunity enough to extend data collection when needed. Isn't this the same argumentation as if you say: install all plugins available on w.org since one day you could need them? - Weird.

And what WP really lacks is the user permission to take their data away. You ask: who in the hell is concerned about blog and user count?! Well, what about business owners who offer a site inside a network for money? Or a membership site? Maybe they have competition. These data for owners like that are sort of business secrets. Definitely not meant to be sent out several times a day. So without permission it's like sniffing. Thats why it's really important to ask site owners for permission.