From one point of view, they've really just been trying to get the Eighth to happen as their plans collapse over and over and over again and they have to course-correct. Louisoix contained a lot of the Source-side damage of the 7th so the 8th was good to go right away, if they could pull it off. The urgency is only increased by the loss of Lahabrea and now Emet-Selch. Elidibus is allegedly the only Original left.

So it's either that or they read Dengeki and know the Shadowbringers / Ascians / Will of Light and Darkness story arc is heading towards conclusion.