I picked up my iPhone 5 on 8/21, but I didn't wait in line, spend much money, or expend much effort to do so. I pre-ordered a few days before because my contract was up on my previous iPhone. I was notified on Thursday (8/20) that my phone would be available to pick up on Friday. I was free first thing that morning, so I went in at 8:00, picked it up, and brought it home.
I didn't have to spend much on the upgrade because I traded in my old phone a few days before. (I used an old flip phone in the meantime. Absolute Torture.)
There are things I don't like about the iPhone, but there are more things I do like. Some of my family have newer Android phones and they are very fond of them. I'm comfortable with the iPhone, so it's more intuitive for me. I haven't had any problems with the maps, battery life, or some of the other complaints.
When you tell Siri to start calling you, "Stupid Idjit", she will.