Called O2 UK earlier. The customer services advisor informed me they know nothing about the Pre, its features, its selling points, or its availability. They told me to call my local branch as the staff will have undergone training for the phone... who will be able to answer any questions I have.
...just got off the phone to my local O2 store in London.
They have already got the store set up to house the phones when they arrive (stands, posters, etc). This is the only marketing (if you can call it that) I've seen/heard of, of the Pre at all
She was hopeful they will arrive on the 16th but didn't sound convincing
. From what I gather, the actual in store employees know VERY LITTLE about the phone itself. Though she did confirm, no pre-orders. Have to wait until 16th.
She confirmed they will not be selling the Pre in unlocked or sim free form, due to its exclusivity to O2. 
