I can concur, kaebfly - it does not help that I'm an ex IT admin and just know enough to get into trouble 
I do think I recall the main site saying for the SmartPhones, until today, that the dates were "delivery" dates instead of "ship" dates. I could be wrong on when, but do know when I purchased it, it did say Delivery. After that I just focued on the date itself and not the word. I had no reason think that whole aspect would change either.
At this point, it is what it is now...I will just have to ponder for next time, what I need to do, since inaccurate information seems to abound (not just at VZW, but seems anywhere).
I wanted to thank you for your insight yesterday. I think everyone will agree things are moving SO fast, and despite technology, sometimes just take time to catch up. 