I agree 100%. There is absolutely no advantage to making something like this public beforehand - none. In fact, as you point out, it takes away the element of surprise. And it gives Valerie a heads up to throw a wrench in the works before they even get moving.
Still, I wish them total success and Godspeed.
“There is absolutely no advantage to making something like this public beforehand - none.”
How about raising money and “acquiring” weapons and supplies?