I dont know how typical shopblt's expected stock dates reflect anyone elses delivery dates. I have never used shopblt but often checked their website to keep an eye on price and expected stock when shopping for an E51. I dont really like to preorder, so I just kept checking shopblt and buy.com and buy.com got stock first and that is where I purchased my E51 from.
Its really not that far away, certainly less than a month, and at my age, that will feel like 3 days! But, with the Bold and iPhone out at that time, the E71 may find strong competition from other devices that are actually available. I know I will have a bold, not sure about the E71. I rarely use my E51.
Save your pennies and get 2 E71s, one for you and one for the wife.