I just created an account on andriodcentral to post my experience here.
I ordered Aug 10 direct on Samsung. Blue 512 AT&T. No financing, supposed to ding the Amex when it ships.
Was "given" $400 trade in for note 8 plus the noise canceling headphones.
I received an email early this past Saturday AM saying "We are working hard to get your order shipped soon, and expect it will ship by Sep 29 2018". . Keep in mind I was guaranteed delivery by Aug 24.
I canceled the Samsung direct order and ordered and unlocked US phone on Amazon it will be here tomorrow.
$1200 +/- and I got a "free" charger.