The ES Workplace is targeted for de-commision since the content is not up-to-date.
But if you use ESR you only need to register by pressing the button "Access Now"
Then you will get the new changed links...
I guess that SAP wants to track how many users are actually using ESR and by registring they might find out that there are people using it...
I agree that ES workplace is better tu use since its possible to browse by Business Objects etc...