You are correct - the link you provide clearly states to update in the first paragraph. But, in my search to resolve the problem, this is the first page I found and pursued - For sending emails, custom SMTP now required
It talks about previous versions, but only in reference to the fact that the built in smtp no longer works and is never going to work again. Specifically under “solution” there is no mention to check your version and upgrade.
Anyway - I’m glad it is resolved and hopefully anyone looking to resolve this in the future will find this thread and all the good information in it - First.
Thanks for the help