I agree it's not the clearest system ever, especially with the prominent download links rarely being the latest version.
However, the OrionRC icon is different, it's Navy Blue/Really Dark Purple compared to Orion's Purple. Unless your mac isn't refreshing icons, you must be opening the wrong program. Keep in mind RC is an entirely different app to Orion, not an "Update".
You don't mention where or when you are still being prompted to join Orion+, I've personally never seen that on RC.
Also yes the download can be slow, however 0.4 Mbps is strangely low, likely either a high traffic period, something out of the ordinary on the CDN side or your own internet.