This is all incredbly dull. It doesn't take a genius to work out that if tickets were cheaper, then more would go. If there was (and hopefully will be) some success on the pitch, then more will go, and even more if the prices remain competitive. Many fans, including me (if I am still classed as a fan in the eyes of some), will pick and choose games due to other commitments and finances. If ticket prices remain as they are, then this will be maybe 8 games at home this season, if they are lowered to say £15 and £5 for kids, then that figure would rise to 10-11 games for the remainder of the season - and some other family members would come to th odd game I am sure.
The £2 surcharge on match day serves no positvie purpose and sends out the wrong message to fans. This season should be all about building bridges with the support (local and otherwise), not on returning to "business as usual" as before the move to Sixfields. I don't work in marketing, but as I said, it doesn't take a genius to work out what needs to be done. 12k on Saturday would be viewed as disappointing, but you only have to look at the low number of signatures on the petition (some free market research there for the club) to see that some intense short term marketing with a local focus needs to happen, and this should include well publicised lowerinrg of prices to offer an immediate incentive.
I know a Bradford fan, and he said the logic behind low season ticket prices was to ensure that the new stands were as full as possible, otherwise there was no point in building them. High number of season ticket holders would more or less guarentee consistently higher attendances - and it has worked to a large degree.
This is not a winge by the way - just my version of common sense, simple economics, and where I am with personal finances and job security.