Well welcome to an iPhone release...there is nothing abnormal or surprising happening this year, it's the same as it has always been. Nothing sad about it, just a monumental amount of people buying a device all at once and people and computer systems trying to play catch up. Microsoft got their first taste of this this past fall with the Xbox One, only they kept selling devices knowing there was no supply, and only let people who ordered them already that their devices were not going to come for another 4-6 weeks past the expected delivery date...at least Apple (and Sprint I suppose) are letting you know immediately.
The fact that you're upset is no different than showing up at 8am on release day to an Apple store and throwing a temper tantrum that the line is wrapped around the building. This is the reality of an iPhone release, not some attack on you or anyone who is having problems getting their devices...I was up with you guys last night and was able to get mine ordered and completed just fine as were a lot of people.
I'd also like to take a moment to say that Sprint seems to once again be at the heart of another release issue in relation to the iPhone. Last year they had issues as well...