Next step - has to be COMMUNICATION. Yes, we've seen an improvement on this front with a list of changes that will form the next patch, but a release date of 'Coming soon' is too vague.
Life is about planning and people have busy lives and we all know how we can lose hours playing FM and so people need to book this time off (wives, kids can dictate this).
So I don't think it's too much to provide a best endeavors/aspirational date for the next release. If this date is not hit, there will be an understanding that this was caveated by stating that this is the earliest we should expect a patch. If this date is not met, a follow up date should be provided. This would allow the FM die hards to plan accordingly and the transparency would only enhance relations.
I work as a Programme Manager for a sports data company (yes, I know how arrogant/unlikable I'm probably coming across!), but I do understand the challenges of releasing/delivering incrementally. I believe that SI Games work in Sprints, which should allow them to gauge when they HOPE to release.
All I'm asking for is more transparency on what is happening in the background, thus allowing the FM obsessives to plan their lives accordingly (and yes, I know how extreme that sounds) - but it's winter now in the UK and we are ready for our FM hibernation season