SLES kernel updates remove prior kernel

After experiencing a problem at work and verifying it on Novell's forum, I want to make it known that:

When "SUSE Linux Enterprise Server" installs a kernel update, it deletes the kernel on which it is running.

I've never seen something this stupid. What if the old kernel doesn't boot? Why not keep at least one old version available? I've never seen a Unix do this. We're going to write a script:

$ ./cya.sh --before # back up the old kernel somewhere
$ rug upgrade
$ ./cya.sh --after # reinstall the old kernel 

Did Suse always have this problem or did Novell break it?