bc - why the FSF software banner?

[Gary Funck]

This has probably been mentioned before, but I'm curious
as to whether the `bc' initial message,

    %  bc
    bc 1.05
    Copyright 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998 Free Software Foundation,
    Inc.
    This is free software with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY.
    For details type `warranty'. 

Is really necessary, or still needed?  I remember that about 10 years
ago, it was recommended style for GNU utiility writers to ensure that
the program reminded the user of its FSF status, but at this point
it seems like overkill, and a bit annoying.