Fortunately we have alternatives...
freebsd-update is used to update the base system, though in 'binary' format. The other alternative is to check out the source code using Subversion and then compiling that yourself. I'll admit it's more tedious than letting freebsd-update handle things, but its still a way to work around using it.
Portnsnap is another example. A very easy way to keep your ports collection (usual location being /usr/ports) up to date. But once again you can also use Subversion.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
