I think you're right on the money with this.
"Since this date is extremely important for the overall story I've decided to flesh it out more"
Incoming jasmine date pt1, pt2 and perhaps pt3.
But wait, there's more!
"The flight home felt a bit underwhelming so I decided it needed something more"
Behold: flight home pt1, pt2 etc.
And all these small chunks will have tech issues that will magically be solved right at the end of every month (but sometimes it will be life stuff getting in the way, we can't make it TOO obvious mind you) so he can justify unpausing pledges.
This is probably what the next 6 months will look like.