Last few months?
Have you been Elisabeth Fritzl'd? The attendance debate has been going for at least 10 years. At a guess I'd say it began when they moved grounds and we developed SJP.
Its been going on since 1992 when the Newcastle crowds swelled with KK taking over as manager, the whole 1992'ers business.
it was going on in the early 80s when Cowie? thier chairman at the time concluded newcastle were better supporters due to attendances.
edit
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/lifestyle/nostalgia/dateline-16-march-1983-sunderland-chairman-i-wish-we-had-newcastle-s-fans-1-5502961
Its like nothing has changed
I know, there was hell on over it at the time, they had a few seasons hanging onto top flight football by the skin of their teeth, and scouse teams throwing last games, half empty Roker Park.
us a division below with 10-15k higher crowds and some cracking football.