as of 6:55am CST, the device is now listed in the regular Device List of Verizon Wireless.com... thus, I'm now able to go through MyAccount to transfer the upgrade, rather than the pre-order page.
Update 7:00am CST. Well, after selecting the SGS3 from myAccount upgrade device, it just redirects me to the pre-order pages where I get the message: "xxx-xxx-xxxx - This line cannot be upgraded at this time. Buddy line is hotlined." whatever that means.. Calling internet support now.
Final Update 7:50am CST - Finally got the Tele-Sales department to successfully get the order submitted. She read off quite a bit of small print, including statements to the effect of, "Please ensure that someone is at home on July 10th to receive shipment since signature is required.", and "Your card will not be billed until the phone is shipped on July 9th". From her wording it definitely sounded as though they had no plans on shipping it sooner than the 9th. It may just be a bunch of legal CYA, and I too am hoping for them to ship out sooner.