I still doubt this will happen. Apple is very careful and controlling when it comes to their product launches and distribution. FedEx is more than capable in handling the load, trust me. I don't see why people assume that FedEx is not prepared for this thing, THEY ARE.
FedEx has logistics experts (Logistics is the management of the flow of goods, information and other resources, including energy and people, between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet the requirements of consumers) that meet with Apple before product launches and discuss how distribution will go. Apple produced a certain quantity of phones expecting to sell out. This is not a surprise to Apple, they knew the devices would sell out, and they knew exactly how many devices FedEx would be handling well before the product was even announced.
I doubt it still. It could easily be a mix-up on Apples part. Apple support reps know nothing outside of what they are trained to know, stuff about early arrivals and product launches is pure speculation on the part of the CSR.
I highly doubt that.
Trust me I don't mind waiting for the 24th .... I'm happy as hell either way.