I always thought that the Popular group would include Vicky and Seth - so I was looking forward to that being implemented for more Vicky content. Looking at the preview pic of poor old Mathew getting bullied I'd guess the Populars are going to include Seth, Erwan and Dan. Listing out the other likely groups I'd say Vicky is still, more than likely, going to be part of that group as I fail to see where else she'd be....
Keeping in mind the ongoing conversations with Iris and Mayo I'd guess that'll be the trigger - although I wouldn't rule out it down to being some blackmail after the incident in the library....
As far as the changes to the school - I think we're going to get more classes during the day. Looking at the questions we get here the main thing people seem to struggle with is meeting people at school so, hopefully, there will be more opportunity to speak to [x] than the once or twice we usually get during the week! Always thought it odd that the game was called "Love,
School & Whatever" but there was less emphasis on the school.... 9am class, lunch, choose an afternoon class, go home... In a way it'll increase the grind with more hours to step through during school time but, on the other hand, will be nice being able to juggle increasing those skill levels with more options...
Incidentally, just decided to try out the patched version - anyone else spotted they've moved the twins back into their separate places on the journal as they were pre-0.9?