I'm sure there are other folks in the same boat as I am...
I just registered to say I heard about the Blade thanks to this site and ordered one via eBay on 11/26.
It showed up at my door yesterday. YESTERDAY.
So they are out there and making their way to people.
My initial impressions, in case anyone cares, are as follows:
First impressions: the packaging is wonderful the case appears to float in the package in a way that's really well done. I usually don't comment on packaging (b/c who cares, right?) but I thought that was a neat touch.
I ran a Fieldtest right before and right after putting the case on. I didn't see a difference, but saw some issues using the Compass. Could be the case, could be that I live in a very small dead zone. Pandora took two attempts to fire up but once it did it was good. So as far as signal issues go, the installed foamy pads seem to work well. They include a new set the user can install later on down the road if wanted or needed.
The buttons install with a tiny bit of play but that's kinda expected. A flush sleep/power button (as seen in some other metal bumper cases) would have been a nice touch.
The trim piece that secures the phone in the bumper (the red bit on mine) has a bit of play on the side with the volume. Not enough to see, but enough to feel as the tiny lip slips over the edge of the phone and back.
The silence switch hole is plenty big enough.
The buttons are nice and responsive.
The headphone jack is only compatible with the small style connectors. I had to get an adapter for my car lead and I have to switch to my Apple earbuds (ugh) since my favorite JVC Marshmallow buds don't fit.
I got this for my sister but I think there's a good chance it will stay with me. I *really* like it.
Pics tomorrow.