Haven't seen any announcement, but it could explain the shut down earlier, and might also explain why I dont seem to be able to log in using Firefox,which is the reason I came to the forum, to ask if anyone else was having the same problem.

As to your questions, unless there is an official announcement, which seems unlikely, as its a secret achievement, no one will know until its live and tested.

Besides  you are nearly finished , so don't have much to worry about.

I cant find any information in connection with what you wrote about new invaders, there is something about change on 18th march  in 'News of the North'  but it only talks about  more dangerous opponents, and ubers and level 6 ghosts, but they already exist.