If I didnt want this so bad, Id probably go for a Rezound myself, its most likely gonna drop before the Nexus if the after the 17th for the US is true.
There is no way it'll drop after 17th. I'd say pre-orders on the 3rd, launch on the 10th. Rest of the world 17th.
Verizon having the exclusive on the device should mean (I would assume) at least 7 days before everyone else... Otherwise it makes no sense...