In System Insight manager on the CMS I can list all servers. I see a variety of status symbols for HS, MP, ES, but under SW it's all question marks. I can select one of the servers, its Software Status has the question mark. But i can open its System management Homepage successfully (from the CMS console), including the Version Control Agent Showing all its details - repository, Installed / Support pack / Latest Version - just as if I was at the managed server console opening System Management Homepage. So it looks like for the most part the communication is happening between managed server and CMS, just whatever it is to keep the CMS current on software status isn't happening.
I don't have the 2008 servers assigned to a baseline yet they are using SPP 2014.06 I think. I'll get them assigned.