There have been various tickets on this topic, but I have a specific requirement.
Is it possible to just update the system firmwareOTA using the particle CLI without updating the already installed application (that is running an earlier release candidate version of the system)?
I have a feeling that this is not possible because the application is compiled against a specific version. FYI am wanting to upgrade 0.8.0.rc.1 to 0.8.0.rc3.
I haven't tried it, but as long the application firmware is targeted at any system version smaller or equal to the version you want to flash that wouldn't be a reason against it - dynamic linking should allow for that.
It'd always be worth a try - just out of curiosity at least.