is it expected for the trial downloads to all be so old?

Could you please share more information on the installation packages you are talking about?

Sure, at this url after getting my new account for evaluation:
https://sld.microfocus.com/mysoftware/download/downloadCenter#

I see a bunch of download options for evaluation of the software at version 10.1 (which is the only option available in the version dropdown) and they're all ~2-3 years old!

How do I evaluate a recent version of Vertica?

Is your vertica license still valid?

How is that relevant to this topic?

I just want to know where to get more recent downloads to try out Vertica. I just got my evaluation license so yes, it's still valid.

If you have a support license, please open a support case. we can provide the RPM. if not, Please use the below link and request for free trial.

https://www.vertica.com/try/

The try link you provided is how I got my account and got to the downloads page I just mentioned in my screenshot.

Please create a support case. we can share RPM .

Happy to do that but the downloads page really should be fixed/updated so the self-service flow gives people up-to-date versions/images, ya?

I agree. I am checking on it internally.