BQ28Z610-R1: Using older BQ28Z610 FW - I2C Timeout Reset

Tool/software:

Hi,

Our battery manufacturer is currently using BQ28Z610-R1 in the design.

However, it looks like the packs are running BQ28Z610 FW (see below from gg file):

I have confirmed on the PCBA that the part is definitely BQ28Z610-R1 - marking is 28Z6 10R1

Can someone at TI confirm that the following feature is not dependant on the FW version and is due to R1 hardware itself?

8.3.12 I 2C Timeout The I2C engine will release both SDA and SCL if the I2C bus is held low for ~2 seconds. If the BQ28Z610-R1 device were holding the lines, releasing them frees the master to drive the lines. Note: that the low time setting can be under firmware control but the HW default is 2 seconds.

Is 2 seconds the typical or max? Should we hold longer to guarantee I2C engine release across process, voltage and temperature? 

Thanks,

Robert