I'm buying it. Before the tour, a week after Mezamashi live (which will be seen by tons of people = PR) and timing wise it works perfectly as we'll most likely get 12th gen 3months after that release (unless he surprises us) and that way media attention even if it doesn't come with a new single immediately.
Would we get 12th gen October-ish, they could have a new single by December and that way go on shows at the end of the year two.
How I wish this was true.
It'd be hilarious if they started recording their 55th single - the current members etc AND the 12th gen members without the 12th gen ones having been announced to the girls or anything yet. Keeping stuff secret and before they know it they have a new single with new girls to work with. Could create hilarious vids and attention too assuming Sayumi, Erina and Haruna would work it with talking and saying too much.