I cancelled my order with GooglePlay , since they can't provide an ETA, and the charging/uncharging of my CC, and change of "order date" makes it iffy about when I would actually get it.
Instead, I checked on Staples.com about in-store availability. A couple of them in my area (loosely defined - within 40 miles) reported "limited supply". Unfortunately, two of them said they sold their last ones this morning. The third one said it had 2 left, but since it was almost closing time, I will have to wait till the morning to buy one.
I noted that the stores in tech-savvy areas are all sold out (e.g. San Francisco), while the store that has one in my area is in a farming town.
Anyways, I look forward to picking up my N7-16 tomorrow!