I ended up getting my phone on the 24th even though the fedex tracking number only started working that morning. I ordered on the morning of the 15th, 9am, est. My order didn't show up on line until the 20th. I called customer service on the 19th. I am a premier customer. I called and complained, and stayed on the phone through two escalations (an escalation to the customer service rep's manager, and then an escalation to the manager's manager). I said that I expected a call and follow up from a director or a vp in regards to this and that the $300 plus a month I spent on att wireless and Uverse combined warranted that this situation be dealt with.
Bottom line: The morning after I called customer service and escalated, my order "magically" appeared online and was on track to ship and arrive by the 24th. There was a "special handling" note on my account, and I think I ended up getting bumped ahead in the queue because of my escalating the situation, so it does pay to complain if you have the time for such drama, but you have to escalate above the rep's head to get any results.
Would I do it again? No. Next time I will wait a month or so until the frenzy dies down.