Long awaited 5th volume for Banner of the Stars has been finally released (http://www.gainax.co.jp/company/news/0418.html), of course by Mr. Morioka & Mr. Ono with the requited illustration cover by GAiNAXer Takami Akai (that, as habitual, lamented not being quickly up-to-the-task; http://gainax.weblogs.jp/ninelives/2013/03/星界イラスト全部完成.html).
I see. At first I thought some attendees from previous years could be coming to both events, but yeah, as you say seems like the controversy and later scission were an opportunity some big companies didn't miss.
Damn, I just heard about this just now. Must hear spoilers asap. I want to know what happens to Lafiel!