Do you really think the general public is aware of the white iPhone issue? My family members weren't even aware that there was more than one iPhone model ever released. I asked my friend what kind of phone she had and she said "iPhone" I said, "I can see that, what model?" she just gave me a blank stare. The white iPhone dates slipping is not a "black eye for apple" outside of this small circle.
I think generally people are aware there will be a white one eventually, since it is on Apple's website afterall. Most aren't aware that the initial availability date slipped though, they just know it hasn't been available since the phone came out and that it still isn't available.