I am happy to report everything turned out okay for my order. Here are the details of my experience and a few comments/suggestions:
2:04am CST: ORDER PLACED via iPHONE APP - could not finish checkout because of carrier verification, but got a reservation number (took a screenshot). I ordered the iPhone X 256gb AT&T via the iPhone Upgrade Program (new) and it said 11/3 delivery when I ordered it.
2:05am CST: ORDER #2 PLACED via web browser with a different AT&T number, got another reservation instead of being able to check out (same 11/3 delivery when I placed it though)
NOTE: At this point, I was freaking out because I had no idea how this "reservation" system worked. I was hoping it would save my spot in line, but I was doubtful. I started looking for answers, but found nothing concrete, so I decided to go to bed (but really go NO sleep whatsoever).
4:41am CST: Got two e-mails confirming both reservations, but no further information other than to check the status by clicking on the link and putting in my Reservation # and Phone # (both showed up in the system).
NOTE: At this point, I was anxious to get the second e-mail allowing me to place my order, but I was still very skeptical. I was seeing all kinds of anecdotes, but I had some hope from those who said this happened to them before and it worked out ok.
12:49pm CST: Was able to complete the purchase on one of my reservations by going to the reservation status (and it said to continue). Was able to put in my AT&T info again, my info for the Citizen's Bank loan, and it the order went through confirming the 11/3 ship date! Got an e-mail almost immediately showing my order was placed.
NOTE: At this point, I was very much relieved. I knew that I had finally got my order in, and it still shows 11/3 ship date. Still nothing on the other order, but I don't want to create two Citizen's Bank loans, so I will probably just le the other one expire.
1:59pm CST: Got an e-mail confirming that my Citizen's Bank loan was approved, so I should be good to go as long as the ship date doesn't slip or something.
COMMENTS:
1) This whole process would have been more bearable if it were not for all of the unknowns. I did not even know Apple did this, and I have been ordering iPhones for years.
2) It actually makes sense because it both reserves the phone for you in the right order and relieves Apple's (and the carrier and bank servers) at the time of pre-order. Being able to complete the checkout later but still saving your spot in line is actually a win-win, but it was definitely stressful not knowing how it worked or IF it would work out.
3) For those who were not patient and tried ordering with the same number with a different method, I hope it works out for you. It was a gamble either way, so don't feel bad: if you did not try to order a different way and the reservation did not work out, you'd be without a phone for MONTHS. If you did try another method and got a ship later later than the reservation, you should be able to cancel that and free up the reservation checkout process. For those who are stuck in limbo, I feel bad for you.
Good luck to everyone!