The numbers on the season ticket waiting list always came from Paul Barber, 8,000 as at December 2019.
https://offthepitch.com/a/brighton-increase-capacity-their-stadium
Folk had to pay a deposit to be on the list, presumably to show intent, weeding out time-wasters.
Isn't this the norm every year, as people defer their chance, waiting for better seats or to be sat with mates?
Single seat s/t's being available throughout the stadium.