Only 2.3.2 can be downloaded from the members area (From the 2.x line) and using anything lower than this on a fresh install is pretty pointless. Why use an old version with bugs and security holes when the latest version is avalible.
True, however anything bellow 2.2.9 IIRC has security flaws so you really shouldn't even consider using them. IMO it shouldn't be that hard getting anything that worked on 2.2.6 to work on 2.3.2.
no vB3? Well, for me, the latest version obviously because of security and features. 2.3.x has a better registration system as well. Most of the hacks I've tried have worked on my 2.3.0 board