I mean that it's often difficult to take older projects like this and properly replicate the environment with all dependencies.
The point about the C used in the kernel drifting could be relevant, but with this sort of project I'm more concerned initially with reproducing results and then moving forward.
> Should I worry?
> If you have secrets on virtual machines with shared hardware (e.g., in the cloud), you should be aware of the issue. But it’s not good for your health to worry too much.
Slightly more radical idea: Universities get paid a percentage of your earnings for a set number of years after you get out. Forces them to care that you're prepared to get a job when you get out.