They go for a set period of time per "series". When they do come back, you start back on step 1 again. There have been five series so far.
Each "Step" is a pack that goes up in price but gives you better odds of a 6*. Step 7 is the last step, and you can buy Step 7 as many times as you want once you've gotten that far.
http://www.fantasicawiki.com/wiki/Step_Up_Packs_5