I think people are a little bit misinformed in terms of what has happened in previous years, I have said before I have been part of protests at Newcastle against Ashley and I brought a few boys up the night of the Hearts game.
I can't remember what game it was , but round about 9 years ago there was a big protest outside the ground, trying to educate other fans about what Ashley was up to, I'd estimate a good 3-5k took part in it and it wasn't the friendliest of protests either, I have been to a few others where boycotts are mentioned, late entry etc however and this is a fact and one which is often overlooked, but when the serious protests started Llambias held a meeting (in a boozer) with a couple of supporters reps, 1 of whom I know well, and he said and ill quote as close to as possible
"boycotting doesn't matter, ticket sales account for such a low percentage we just trim the wage budget a bit and live off the TV money" - this was before the recent boom aswell.
No mention of Commercial activity, which I think the majority realize Newcastle make next to nothing on.
So he was basically saying, Boycott, doesn't bother us.
Now Newcastle is a unique place in footballing terms - The match on a Saturday or Sunday is what the whole week leads up to, work-family all revolve around the match, it is ingrained from Grandfather to Father to Son to Grandson and it was always going to take for the majority to give up what has been a lifetime ritual but gradually they are, although the majority probably realize it won't make much difference.
I know my missus old man has this year gave up his box at Newcastle through his company, and hasn't renewed his season ticket (another point, not a lot know is that Ashley did a deal a decade ago for 5 year or 10 year season tickets, locking fans in who took it up and a lot did take it up)
I really don't know what will happen with Newcastle, I can't see a buyer taking it over when he has scuppered any chance of expansion of the stadium, has god knows what tied up for x amount of years and wants the £130m+ loans paid back, the TV money renders the fans input in terms of boycotts pretty useless then you add in the vindictiveness, he is the sort who would let them go the way of Blackpool and the Oystons.