Not strictly true. I bought an 1882 ticket in the very last window available. The one where they were offering season tickets to pretty much all and sundry. I could have had a ticket in the gods of the north east I think, but chose the middle of the south stand because I wanted to be a part of that stand and could afford it at the time. I have renewed this year because of the stump up or lose it fear, however, I am seriously considering, for various reasons, not renewing it next year. If I could get a ticket at half the cost in the same or similar location I wouldn't blink before clicking the renew button.
Having said that, I've no doubt that there are plenty of people on the waiting list that would be happy to fill my £2,2200 seat next year and the year after......