Yes, there is a FTW
SUCCESS! After 30 tries and 2 hours, I managed to place an order through Apple. I chose to have it delivered to the 5th Avenue Store in Manhattan and pick it up there.
They honored my unlimited data and unlimited text at the grandfathered-in prices, waived the $18 upgrade fee, and the total price at the end was $299. Wow! I am thrilled. I even received the confirmation email.
They open at 7am. I'll probably get in line at 6:00am and pray it takes only 3 hours, since I have to be at work at 9.
I am so happy I can't think straight. I've had a 2G since the very first day the first iPhone was ever released, so I've been waiting for this for a LONG time.
I hope everyone else is happy with their ordering process and manages to get a phone on the 24th. Then it will be party time!