Jeez, Verizon just can't win, can they?
They don't specify a release date, because they don't know it yet. Reaction: JUST TELL US THE DATE! I HATE VERIZON!
They want to test the phone to ensure, to the best of their ability, that the LTE version works correctly on their network. Reaction: STOP DELAYING! I HATE VERIZON!
When people demand more information, they respond to inquiries by saying "We haven't determined the date yet, and we want to make sure the phone works right before we release it." Reaction: THEY'RE LYING! I HATE VERIZON!
Suppose they had announced it and then had to miss it -- which is exactly what would have happened if they'd announced 11/17 or 11/21 -- the reaction would have been STOP LYING TO US! I HATE VERIZON!
If they just went ahead and released the phone now, which is what so many people seem to want for some reason, the reaction would be THIS PHONE IS A BUGGY PIECE OF CRAP! I HATE VERIZON!
Apparently, there is literally nothing they can do that won't anger people. Is it any surprise that they continue to ignore the complaints? I would.
Here's an experiment. Seriously, everybody try this:
For just a moment, try assuming that Verizon is not evil or incompetent. Assume that they actually want to release the phone and sell it, and that they are working as hard as they can to get the phone to us, taking into account all of the complicated factors they have to worry about. Assume that they will release it as soon as they possibly can -- after all, at the moment it is only costing them money -- and they will tell us as soon as they know when that will be.
Try thinking positive thoughts: "Wow, too bad there are bugs, but I'm glad Verizon found them. I'm going to hope that their people find a solution quickly."
Yes, we're all frustrated and disappointed that the Galaxy Nexus isn't out already. But maybe, just maybe, it's nobody's fault.