I called last week and it just seems like we are all going to have to wait. The rep I spoke with last week told me a minimum of three weeks and probably at most two months to fulfill the initial barrage of step up requests. Still, I look for a sign every day because of the damn "upgrade-itis" that I have infected myself with. 
 
Really all we can do is wait since it is anyone's guess right now. I know it sucks, the promise of new toys is always fun, but at least these cards should get to us before the holidays. 

Cancelled my step-up request for the 970 ACX 1.0 card and requested the 970 FTW ACX 2.0 .

Yeah stepping from my 780 superclocked to a 980 reference design. Thought about cancelling for ACX 2.0 cooler instead, decided wasn't worth it to me. I'm stuck just like everyone else. Just have patience, I've decided it doesn't really make a huge difference except for scratching that itch... My 780 overclocked happily does 1440p gaming no, that power draw drop will be nice. For those coming from a 760 or lower to a 970, you're likely in for a real treat. 

Thanks!!!
 

 
Does this mean that they will get 970s out now?

Sweet! Yeah I had thought about canceling to get an acx 2.0 980 instead of the reference card, but I think I'll just throw this AC Hybrid cooler on it and call it a day lol. Should keep it nice and chill while totally silent. Hoping to get some beast overclocking numbers out of it.