[ubuntu] Question re: Ruing 'supposed' patched kernel in Ubuntu 14.04.2 LTS

Thanks for taking the time to read this post...

Background

I started with an iso image found here of Ubuntu 14.04 LTS to run on an Intel Compute Stick STCK1A32WFC which originally shipped with Win8.1 upgradable to Win10. To cut a long story short, Ubuntu (keel?) does not include driver support for WIFI, Bluetooth or Sound via HDMI on the ICS so the need to use that iso which apparently includes a patched keel and so far all is working perfectly fine.

I've been kicking around on this setup now for little over a week and it is surprisingly cute despite it's limitations.

What I don't understand though is how after applying updates including to the keel, how WIFI and Sound etc continue to work.
If I understand this all correctly, moving to a different keel should cause this hardware issues?

The installation iso came with 3.16.30-generic and after updating to 3.16.69 generic post install, and again today to 3.16.70-generic everything is working. Is this because all of these are 3.16 keels or is it because drivers for the said hardware were included in the iso? I ask because I want to know a) what I should and shouldn't do if a new series keel comes along, and b) what situation(s) I might find myself in down the track.

Any help is greatly appreciated...