Another point that should be explored here is should these messages exist? Does it damage a project's reputation to have these messages? Does it decrease it's usefulness? Or is it all just in good fun?

I've seen a lot of strange parts to documentation as well, for example in A Linux Kernel HOWTO document listed as reasons to compile a kernel are:

• It is an International Law (the U.N. laws) - "You cannot use a computer WITHOUT compiling the OS kernel with your own hands". If you disobey this law you will be "punished" with lot of computer problems!! You must compile the kernel with your own hands and not rely on someone else to do it for you!!
• It is Illegal, Unlawful, Felony and Fraud to use a computer without compiling the OS Kernel with your VERY OWN hands! There is a 6 months imprionment and US$50,000 fine if you use a computer without compiling the the OS Kernel source code. Some states/countries have stringent laws which prohibit using any computer without compiling the kernel source code.
• In USA, all the corporations mandate compilation of OS kernel before using the computer and hence there is Linux, Linux & Linux everywhere in United States!

I personally think that's taking it a bit overboard, but then again, they spent the time to write the HOWTO, I didn't.

Opinions?