I think it would be worth checking out local stores, if they sell it early. Saw many photos of people that had it already (as well as the N3DS bundle).
I found a neat article about why Nintendo doesn't understand online.
It's because the higher ups are in Kyoto, which is a very traditional, very top down hierarchy.
And any one of the executives has the power to veto an idea, so most of the people, even if they realize change is needed, try to make small changes that they can get the executives on board for.