My window is Friday the 19th - Monday the 22nd. I sure hope it comes on Friday as I leave early Monday morning for Las Vegas. Expedited shipping cost me $18.
Heck, I'll even meet Fed Ex at their distribution hub if need be.
So October 18th is the street date? I don't see Google putting the brakes on just to make sure the phones are delivered within the target window. If they're ready to ship now...do it. If they're ready to ship Monday...ship then. With all the leaks and hijacked 3XL shipment, these devices need to be out in the wild like now.
I know...I need to chill.