Superphil
Dismember
Whatever they announce IS actual. It's based on cards read through gates. As far as I've seen so far. the stadium always looks like there are around 3,500 to 4,500 missing.
The process of declaring "tickets sold" has been running for about 3 seasons now. It is in line with 99% of all clubs in the top 2 divisions, it is (sadly) not unusual or different. It's going to have something to do with sponsors, the better your apparent attendance, the more money the sponsors will consider paying you I guess.