I really think the main variable here is the UTC time stamp on your contract. I ordered at 1:05 MDT and got my contract with 8:36 UTC. Yesterday it switched from Backordered to Being Processed and then shipped for delivery today. SG 64 +.
My wife ordered immediately after me. Her contract was around 10:30 UTC. At first mine was Being Processed and hers was still Backordered. Within a few hours at most, hers moved to Being Processed. However, as yet hers has not shipped. Gold 64 +. I fully expect hers to ship today and be here tomorrow.
Based on my very small sample and the responses of others here I really think that they are shipping first come first served but based on UTC. However, UTC seems very random as was the case with my and my wife's phones.
I am also a premier customer and there may be truth to the fact that they are processing premier first. However, at the beginning it was completely the opposite with premier not getting any phones. But I can't be sure of that either.
I can relate to all your pain as just yesterday I was mad as hell. But it really seems like they are cranking more out and once you go from Backordered to Being Processed on the 877 number your phone is imminent.
Keep hope, if you are 10/3 you are next to ship and I haven't seen anyone go to something sooner, it just goes straight to shipped.