I looked back and saw where the original Torch was officially announced by RIM (and AT&T) on the 3rd of August in 2010. I'm pretty sure you could purchase the phone within the next 2 weeks after that announcement.
Some of you see where I'm going with this. I'm wondering if they will follow the same announcement and release pattern for the 9900? Just a thought.
I think carriers are taking extra long with the recent RIM devices because they are wary with how their consumers have responded with RIM's recent smartphones. I think they will be here soon, and they will def be worth the wait