They have done a lot of good PR in recent weeks so I would certainly expect a new signing (other than Lawton/Stokes) announced ahead of the kit/shop launch.
The going rate in tier 7 is £11 (Southern Premier League level). £18 per game for tier 3 (or £13 if you plan to attend at least 6 games) is an absolute bargain by comparison.
I am convinced that one of the reasons ST sales are so low is because the 6/12 match deals are such good value. A number of people considering a ST will surely plump for a 12 match package instead and see how the season pans out.
I personally would love to go and watch Cov Rugby on the weekends I come up for City games. The two clubs should work together and trial the odd weekend where they do that, perhaps offer a discount off the overall price of the two tickets.