yes, avex did hide the tracklist until a week after B&D/Pride had released. BUT most people assumed that both songs would be on the album anywayz (ayu never drop a single off the album... she even put M into I am after it was on A BEST). They dun see a point buying the single UNLESS the tracklist is announced and the songs ain't there. Also I agree that B&D is too new for people... you can see the audience weren't that hyper when she performed this song.
on the other hand, it's quite sure that kumi will put most of the songs from 12 singles into the new album. Those limited singles are for die hard fans only. I like the idea that only unlimited singles should be included in the album, but like candlize said, it's wasting a lot of money to make limited materials. Those 12 singles are just a tactic to attract new people to buy kumi's upcoming album. I'm pretty sure that most hardcore fans will not feel cheated because the covers are so nice anywayz
(same to people who buy ayu singles.. They will be on the album anywayz probly a few months after, why bother buying the singles?? It's because we love ayu...). Oh one more point, if all the single materials will be included, the new kumi album is like a compilation cd, so lots of people will buy it
of course, prediction may lead to shock... for example.. hikki's Passion sales is totally a shock to me. orange range's natural doesn't sell as good as musiQ, so you can say OR is a one hit wonder (but you have to count the impact of katchan leaving the band).
hehe back to the topic... how come oricon hasn't updated yet...??? I thought it would resume on the 4th... :'(