off topic:
I understand it they have been the group with most shows in a year for two years running with over 100 shows a year.
you surely never heard of groups like Asfi.
Passpo schedule is easy compared to groups that have up to three shows in different venues on the same day. Up Up not so long ago had eight shows in three days. and recently they were in a 11 days with consecutive shows streak.
on topic:
calm down, people. it's not the end of the world since they already have several festivals confirmed (including TIF) after that date. so Passpo is not ending. they may (and I guess they will) change a lot, but the group will not be exactly gone. if they go the band route they could still perform in idol festivals like Le Lien, Ganbare Victory, Band Jya Nai Mon... assuming they keep a foot in the idol territory, which I think they should. at least for a while till they can survive without wotas. but it is a difficult transition, if they really wanna try. gotta wish them luck.
edit:
Wouldn't it be extremely cruel to feature 3 of your loyal members in a video being excited about a new project and then kicking them out?
err depends on how it's done. I don't think anyone will be really "kicked" of the group. they probably know already exactly what will happen. and IF they get rid of three girls, surely they'll have a ceremony like when Makoto left. by the idol industry standards, I don't see anything cruel in a move like this.
my guess, trying to be a guru here, is that Sako's situation is the only thing up in the air still. they'll wait till that date to see if she has health conditions to keep with it or not. if okay, the three girls with less fans graduate. if not, then Nachu, Yukky and Sako leave while Naomin continues and plays guitar in the band. remember that Naomin and Sako both play that instrument. in a girl band context, Nachu and Yukky wouldn't be really necessary. commercially, makes sense to get rid of the girls with less fans. past year there were rumors around that Yukky has a boyfriend. so is not cruel at all if maybe the girls themselves feel it's time to move on. Naomin with model career, Nachu with... with... er... eating ice creams and drinking vodka all day long. rofl