It's possible that your take on this is correct but I think, to be fair, that some of the hype was created by us, on this thread. It's a pragmatic policy, I think, to never expect too much from updates. I never do, so that if they turn out better than expected it's a boost. (Alyssa's coffee shop event & introduction of Antonio felt like this for me). IMO L&P has chosen to paint himself into a corner when it comes to the 12 tasks, so that it becomes hard to believe very much will happen. I'm still looking forward to it, though mainly out of a great curiousity.
Disgruntled patrons may choose to vote with their wallets but others will take their place & things will be probably stabilise. What I'm not looking forward to is the inevitable visitation, beginning on the day of the update & lasting for a week or two, of the many shouting, insulting, immature, frustrated individuals who descend like the harpies from Jason & the Argonauts, (1962 version) & then thankfully sod off back to their bedrooms, parent's basements, attics etc. This happens every time & proves that there are many, normally silent, lurkers out there. They're spoiled rotten for choice of porn but still opt to follow AWAM & whine about the lack of it. As Americans often say, "go figure."
I feel that the pivotal point could well be the first sexual encounter in 'San Alejo real time.' That will be an occurence where it will be really dfficult but essential to live up to the hype. That point, however, is still years away & the horizon is constantly receding.