honestly I'm not a big fan of the rollout either. I was expecting an album at the middle of the year. What I liked about them the most is how much content (MVs, performances, etc) they have each comeback, a digital single with a CF b-side won't do it for me
The way they are planning things I think they expect fans to see and treat this Japanese debut as a traditional comeback. They way they worded make me feel they plan widespread distribution for fans outside Japan
This also means they probably are expecting the main comeback to take place only in then late half of the year. Close to awards and shows and such which is also not my favorite date to comeback but I digress