Doesn't sound too bad, actually, knowing the way television usually handles season orders and risk management. They have to keep the crew occupied with production so they don't lose them to other projects, so ordering half a season's worth of episodes while waiting on the returns from Season 2 makes sense. If/when it proves to be a success, they'll order the remaining 13.
So long as most of the staff remains intact, I don't think anypony has reason to worry overmuch, as S02 has been on a whole 'nother level from S01 thus far (imho).