Yes the date of 17th October seems deliberate as you say CDC. Once the fixtures are released clubs will put effort into organising other things, u21 games, events, hire of facilities etc. Before you know it it will be too difficult to change everything and potentially costly, thus not being bothered about an impending EGM.
The only challenge likely now is a court challenge, presumably the reason Gary Fawcett has declined the initial RFL meeting is that reason, not to affect any potential legal case. Not only that but the supposed meeting would no doubt be a brush off tactic.