<2 cents>
Those are on-demand, automated features that let us manage our 'nodes ourselves, not services they perform for us. Would it be nice if they provided a notice? Sure, but not everyone can change kernels without testing software first. And not everyone wants Linode tracking what they're doing with their Linode

Plus there are already plenty of security services out there that let people track vulnerabilities, including email lists. Anyone worried enough about kernel vuln's should already be looking at those.
Internet Storm Center is a good place to start feeling paranoid, plus help you find stuff to mitigate threats (e.g.: the DShield Block List)
</2 cents>