So we are now looking at end of June for Start of Darkness? Will there be notice posted when there is positive confirmation that a date is set, or is this a hope and a prayer?
Yes, closer to end of June.
I'm pretty sure the pre-orders will ship before there's a formal announcement that the book is available. We'd like to get caught up with the pre-orders before the next deluge of orders from people that waited until SoD is in-hand.