Well, it's actually not pointless.
"free shop" actually works just fine on any 3ds running below 11.8, but you have to put that 'enc title keys' manually and there's a few titles that can't be downloaded but 99% of the titles can be downloaded just fine. for the time being.
I tested today on my three old3DSes on 11.7. one 3DS of each region, USA, EUR and JAP and works just fine.
People are spreading fakenews and trolling but the fact is that is not certain that "every game" will be blocked on nintendo servers, by the way that homebrews can actually be updated to make a fakesigh ticket more "legit". it's just a matter of time.
Since online play is still possible on 11.7 so i believe is even more pointless not even thinking on a downgrade since 11.8 have not even one thing to call a advantege.
11.7>11.8
11.7 will soon stop working for online play, and it will also deny access to eShop (if it doesn't already).
Changes are made from their side (servers), staying on lower firmware won't help at all.
11.7=11.8 right now. When they block eShop, online play and >=11.8 games come out: 11.7<11.8
There's no point on not updating.