If I was Relic I wouldn't tell you Nice People anything either
Either make your actions talk for themselves or be a genious at marketing and overhype your game. That path of action is not gonna improve the number of sales (future) or image on the company.
Any patch is gonna bring something to talk or complain about. Bugs will probably arise, etc. The thing is that you can't release 2 new factions and expect to have the game on a remotely balanced state and just let it be for 6+ months without a word on what are you working on.
After so long, expectatives are high. Or none, for some us. If it's good (or different)fine, if not just take a hiatus.