User blog comment:IdolMeowster/Aikatsu Friends - Speculation Post/@comment-5885873-20190814200522

I don't think we're getting Wakaba as new protag, since she's much more developed than Akari was in S2 of OG

Apparently they're giving all current friends a JL Friends dress, like PP almost had. Also i hope we get to see JLR for HC and RM in future parts.

As for Wakaba's partner, we'll likely get her in second half, the Aria/Mikuru type character. Wakaba just debuted, she's not looking for Friends partner just yet, but she will in future, probably second half. Mion was a popular idol for years before finding Aine, Ema and Maika were popular idols of their own before forming HC.

What I hope is Photokatsu 2.0 or another set of crossover episodes. Don't think we're getting All Stars series just yet, we're probably getting that for 10th anniversary