So I'll go ahead and post my anecdotal experience from stopping by a Verizon store today.
The main phone rep there knew about the phone, they've played with it at the store, and they've done store training. They do have a store model "in the back", but told me they aren't allowed to show anyone it. I politely tried to convice him, but I don't have good game.
Just wanted to get one in my hands to see how it feels.
As for release date, mum was the word. He stated that he had no info, but thought it was next week sometime. Nothing official. I asked if he got any advance warning, emails, memos, etc and he responded unequivically that they don't get any info until the the announcement goes out. None, zip. I asked about the theory that it was supposed to release Fri, and Verizon communicated to them about the delay. He was pretty adamant that they've received no communication from Verizon, and had no info that Friday was ever a launch target.
As for inventory, they haven't received any in yet. Not even the mythical "do not open" packages. He also had no feel for allocation, and didn't know if they'd get 10 handsets or 100, but qualified that by stating that they usually get decent inventory with Samsung phones.
Again, no new info, and honestly I didn't expect anything groundbreaking. It is encouraging that they've done store training, but they haven't received any stock yet, which isn't encouraging. I'm starting to doubt the 12th or weekend release. Seems like next Thurs/Fri is more plausible. Just my guess.